With the weather getting warmer, we’ll all be out having fun in the sun before we know it. But for many people, the change in weather also means the return of dreaded seasonal allergies and weeks of feeling uncomfortable.
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when irritants or allergens trigger histamine and other chemicals to be released into the body. Rhinitis can clear up on its own after a few days, but for some, symptoms can last weeks or even months.1
Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
When seasonal allergies kick in, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery, itchy, red eyes
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
Fast Facts About Allergies
- More than 50 million Americans experience allergies each year.
- Allergies are the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
- Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects 5.2 million children and 19.2 million adults in the U.S. each year.1
- The most common indoor/outdoor allergy triggers are: tree, grass and weed pollen, mold spores, dust mites, cockroaches, and cat, dog and rodent dander.1
Five Tips for Coping with Allergy Symptoms
- Watch the pollen count
Weather forecasts often include pollen count predictions. These will give you a good idea of how much irritation you can expect if you plan to be outside. The wind is also a factor, so stay indoors on windy days when the pollen count is high.
- Keep your home dry and clean
Dehumidifiers and your air conditioner are key in keeping your home air dry and minimizing irritants. Also consider using a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner, using allergy covers on your pillows and mattresses, and leaving your shoes at the door.
- Be smart when you go outside
Staying active can strengthen the immune system, which will help you manage your allergies. When you do go out, be sure to wear a face mask to limit your exposure. Also, it’s a good idea to change your clothes once you’re back indoors.
- Pay attention to pets
Cats and dogs can easily track allergens in on their paws or fur, so be thoughtful about where they roam in the house. Closing off your bedroom may limit allergens and help you sleep better.
- Try a nasal rinse
Nasal congestion can be one of the most uncomfortable symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Rinsing your nose with a saline solution, also known as nasal irrigation, can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to flush out mucus and allergens from your nose.2
These tips should help to manage your allergy symptoms. But if your
allergies become unmanageable, schedule a visit with your
physician to review your specific symptoms and see if medication may
be necessary.
Need to schedule an appointment? Visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
*Sources:
1 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, www.aafa.org, April 2021.
2 Mayo Clinic, www.mayo.org, April 2020.
