Top Ways to Manage Spring Allergies

Although spring is a wonderful time of year, it can bring misery for allergy sufferers. Trees, grass, and weeds are producing pollen, which can cause a variety of symptoms.

What Are Common Symptoms of Spring Allergies?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms this time of year, you may have spring allergies:

• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy mouth or throat
• Ear congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Headache

What Are Different Ways to Manage Spring Allergies?

The following tips can help reduce your symptoms:

Check Pollen Forecasts

Local television stations and newspapers often post a pollen count forecast. Try to stay indoors when the counts are particularly high.

Limit Outside Activities

Avoid going outside from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, when pollen counts are usually highest.

Keep Your Windows Shut

Keep your home and car windows shut and use the air conditioner to cool off.

Use a Dust Mask

If you’re outside especially on windy days, consider using a dust mask to limit your exposure to pollen.

Change Clothes

When you’ve been outside, change your clothes and take off your shoes when you come inside so you’re not tracking pollen throughout the house.

Don’t Dry Your Clothes Outdoors

Hanging clothes outside on the line to dry may save energy, but it can also worsen your allergies as pollen clings to your clothes and sheets.

Use a HEPA Filter

These filters can help remove airborne particles.

Vacuum & Dust Frequently

This will help reduce the amount of pollen in your home

Take a Shower Before Bedtime

This removes pollen that accumulates on your body and hair.

Talk to Your ENT Doctor

They may recommend over-the-counter or prescription oral antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, or eye drops.

Consider Allergy Shots

If your symptoms are severe and don’t respond well to lifestyle changes and medication, allergy shots may be able to help. These expose you to a tiny but slowly increasing amount of a springtime allergen, so your body builds up a tolerance to it.

If you’re experiencing spring allergy symptoms, make an appointment today with the ear, nose, and throat doctors of Lakeside Allergy ENT. We offer allergy testing as well as the most effective treatments that will help you get the relief from your spring allergy symptoms.