Spring Cleaning Your Sinuses: How to Manage Springtime Allergies
Spring is a beautiful season, but it also brings allergy season in full swing. With pollen in the air, you might find yourself dealing with sneezing, a runny nose, an irritated throat, and itchy, watery eyes.
In Arizona, spring allergy season often kicks off in March and can last into early summer. With pollen levels on the rise, managing symptoms effectively can make all the difference in getting through the season comfortably.
But First, What Are Spring Allergies?
Spring allergies are seasonal allergies that flare up during springtime. Allergies occur when the immune system misidentifies a typically harmless substance like tree or plant pollen as a threat. As the body tries to fight off the threat, allergy sufferers will often experience symptoms like:
- Frequent sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Irritated throat
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Fatigue
How to Manage Spring Allergy Symptoms
Here are easy strategies to keep springtime allergy symptoms at bay:
Monitor pollen counts
Make it a habit to always monitor pollen counts, especially if you have a history of allergies. Spring allergies are most likely due to pollen and mold and they can fluctuate throughout the day, depending on the weather. Websites like pollen.com, Asthma and Allergy Forecast, and the Weather Channel are great tools to help you monitor pollen levels in your area.
Knowing pollen levels will help allergy sufferers anticipate their symptoms and keep them at bay before they even manifest.
Keep doors and windows closed
As spring approaches in Arizona, many look forward to the warm breeze, but airborne allergens like pollen and mold can travel for miles, triggering allergy symptoms. To reduce exposure, keep windows and doors closed to prevent allergens from entering your home.
Rely on your HVAC system for ventilation and ensure it has high-quality HEPA filters to trap allergens and airborne irritants, helping maintain cleaner indoor air and minimizing allergy flare-ups.
Limit time spent outdoors
When pollen counts are especially high, it would be better to stay at home and limit your time outdoors. Plan your outdoor time according to the day’s pollen count, actively avoiding exposure to triggers and allergens.
Change out of outdoor clothes and shower when you get home
If you do go outside, change out of your outdoor clothes and immediately get in the shower when you get home. This removes any allergens that you may have picked up from your time outdoors and prevents you from spreading them throughout your home.
Start allergy meds early
You can start taking your allergy medications a month before the spring season officially starts. Doing so can help with your body’s immune system response to your spring allergy triggers. Additionally, don’t forget to take them before heading out or on days when pollen and mold counts are especially high.
Stay hydrated
Proper hydration will help your mucus membranes function properly, despite the typical allergy symptoms. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Juice and tea can also help but water is your best option. Keeping yourself hydrated helps mucus stay thin and flow freely through your sinus passages, keeping them moisturized and preventing congestion.
Invest in an indoor air purifier
An air purifier can keep allergens and airborne irritants from circulating inside your home. Choose one with a HEPA filter and make sure you clean them regularly.
Keep your home clean with some spring cleaning
Do some spring cleaning to tidy up your home. Vacuum regularly and dust around your home with a damp towel so as not to stir up allergy-causing dust. Keep your bed sheets clean and change them regularly.
Keep pets clean
If you have pets at home, then pet dander is a common issue. Make sure to regularly clean and get rid of pet dander. Additionally, regularly groom them, especially when your pet spends time outdoors as they can easily pick up allergens and bring them inside your home.
Rinse your sinuses
Sinus rinses can help break down mucus buildup, wash away irritants in the sinus passages, and moisturize irritated sinuses. Use a nasal saline rinse or nasal sprays to do this.
Consult with your care provider
If all else fails or when you notice that allergy meds stop working, it’s time to consult with your care provider. At Arizona Breathe Free, we are dedicated to helping you find ways to find relief from annoying allergy symptoms. Schedule a consultation with us today and breathe free this spring season.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.