Coming Home Magazine

Morning sniffles, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat—sound familiar? While the changing seasons can be beautiful, those with a sensitive immune system can feel the undesirable effects of Mother Nature doing her thing. To help you identify your triggers and find fast relief, read on. Our allergy survival guide is your personal gateway to enjoying the great outdoors this spring. HOW TO FIND RELIEF The best defense against seasonal allergies is a good offense. This means taking steps to stop symptoms before they start. Here are tips to help you stay ahead of your seasonal allergies. Understand What Makes You Vulnerable Because allergy triggers can vary by location, it's important to understand the environment where you live. When are pollen counts typically the highest? And what type of pollen thrives in your area? Not all pollen is the same. You may be sensitive to tree pollen, which is most common in spring, or you might react to specific types of grass pollen that are prevalent during the summer. If you don't know what's causing your allergies, track your symptoms and look for patterns. Note what activities you engaged in before your symptoms appeared and when they subsided. The more you learn about what spikes your seasonal allergies, the better equipped you'll be to manage them. Be Aware of Day-to-Day Levels Monitor local pollen and mold counts each day and plan accordingly. If pollen levels are high, limit outdoor activities, especially in the mornings. Pay attention to the weather, too. On windy days, pollen spreads, so your symptoms can be more intense. Rain, however, cleans the air, at least temporarily. Taking a walk after an April shower may help you relax without setting off your allergies. Take Precautions Outside The cells that release histamine are in your nasal passages, throat, and eyes, so it's essential to cover those areas. If you need to go outside, consider wearing a mask to keep pollen and other allergens out of your nasal passages. A hat will prevent spores from settling in your hair, and sunglasses can protect your eyes. Always shower and change your clothes immediately after coming inside to remove pollen from your skin and hair. Prep Your Home Your home should be a sanctuary that shields you from allergens. Shut your windows and doors, and use air conditioning in your home and car. Stay up to date on HVAC maintenance and install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Vacuum, dust, and use air purifiers and dehumidifiers to help keep symptoms at bay. You don't have to let seasonal allergies get you down. By fortifying your home, cleaning your body after going outside, and planning your day around pollen levels, you can reclaim your love of the season. Of course, if your allergies are severe or don't improve with home remedies, consult a healthcare professional. WHAT ARE SEASONAL ALLERGIES? Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are simply an overreaction of the immune system to an airborne substance, like mold, dust, and pollen. When some people inhale these harmless invaders, they're mistakenly perceived as threats. In response, their immune systems release histamines, causing uncomfortable symptoms, like sneezing, congestion, fatigue, coughing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Usually, outdoor seasonal allergies occur in early spring and fall as flowers bloom and pollen counts rise. WHAT 'S MAKING YOU SNEEZE? Seasonal allergy triggers are different for everyone. For most spring sufferers, pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees is the culprit. Other common seasonal allergens include mold and dust mites. Spring's heavy rains can lead to mold growth in your home, and open windows and spring cleaning can increase the number of dust mites in the air. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 31

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