1. Avoid pollen when you can. Stay indoors during high pollen counts: typically in the morning, and on dry, breezy days.
2. Keep your windows closed, especially during the day. Use an air conditioner instead.
3. Don’t hang laundry outside to dry. It will collect pollen.
4. Wash your hands and other exposed skin when you come inside, and shower before going to bed to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
5. Don’t just tough it out, medications can help. Allergists often recommend non-sedating antihistamines and decongestants. Nasal rinse products are also useful. For longer-term symptoms: non-sedating antihistamines with prescription nasal-steroid sprays and/or prescription eye drops.
6. Invest in a vacuum with a certified HEPA filter, and vacuum often. Also, wipe with a damp cloth rather than sweeping.
7. If you have a pet, wipe down its fur, which gets laden with pollen, before it comes inside. Also, avoid cuddling against its fur in this season.
8. If grass pollen is a problem, have someone else mow your lawn.
9. If you have asthma, make sure you’re taking the proper level of medications. Pollen is a common trigger for asthma symptoms and attacks. Asthma action plans may need adjusting in pollen season.
10. Consider seeing your allergist to discuss immunotherapy shots. If you’re having trouble controlling symptoms by reducing pollen exposure and medications, you may be a candidate for shots that will increase your immune system’s tolerance to the allergens.
Related Reading:
Finding Pollen Allergy Relief: What Pill, Spray or Shot is Right?
Pollen Allergy’s Tough Toll: Disrupted Sleep, Work – and Health
6 Spring Allergy Myths: From Flowers & Honey to Forecasts
