Getting Through Allergy Season
Spring, specifically March through May, is often the worst time of year for those of us with seasonal allergies.
The pollen count is high, the grass is growing, and trees are blooming, which all cause your body to overreact and try to clear your body from these foreign substances it mistakes for harmful germs.
Allergies are miserable. Instead of enjoying the nice weather and outdoor activities, you’re stuck inside, suffering from some of the many symptoms seasonal allergies, or hay fever, can cause.
Possible symptoms of allergies include:
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Cough
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Headache
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Sneezing
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Itchy throat
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Watering and itchy red eyes
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Red and swollen eyes
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Itchy and running nose
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Nasal congestion
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Tiredness/poor sleep
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Drainage in the throat
If this is you, know there are ways to mediate the symptoms and get through allergy season!
Here are 7 tips to help you have a good Spring rather than a miserable one!
1. Know When Allergy Season Starts in Your Area
The first step is actually to know when allergy season is! It’s different everywhere, starting as early as February in some areas.
Seasonal allergies are different for everyone. Try and learn what type of pollen affects you the most.
You know yourself best and when you’re affected the most, so be sure to pay attention to your body and what it’s telling you!
2. Talk to Your Doctor & Try Medication
Speak to your primary physician about any concerns and if you have questions about the seasons and how different pollen affects you. Also, consider asking about allergy testing!
It’s a fairly simple process through which your doctor can diagnose your exact allergies and devise a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
Your physician can talk to you about different medications and treatments. They may suggest allergy shots for more severe allergies. Or, over-the-counter allergy meds might be enough for you. Find the medication that works best for you, such as antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and decongestants.
Also, don’t ignore the power of vitamins or the importance of eating a clean diet full of natural vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, in particular, helps reduce histamine levels and boosts your immune system.
3. Avoid Pollen Exposure
Obviously, you can’t spend the entire season locked in your house but try to avoid exposure to allergens and pollen as much as you can.
Try not to mow the lawn when the weather is super warm, and don’t spend extra time outside when it’s windy. When you do go outside, wear sunglasses and a mask to help keep pollen out of your body.
4. Keep Your Home Clean
Pollen will find its way into your house as well!
So, make time to clean more often during the Spring. Wash your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases in hot or warm water every week, sweep often, and clean surfaces.
Change your air filters and try using central air-conditioning if possible to help remove pollen and dirt from the air. The less dust, hair, dirt, and pollen in your house, the better!
There are other ways to keep your home free of allergens.
Keep your windows and doors closed when possible, and take off your shoes before walking through your house.
Consider changing your clothes as soon as possible if you come inside after being outside for a while, as you can carry pollen on your shoes and clothes. Also, wipe down your pets to remove pollen from their fur!
5. Use Air Purifiers & Humidifiers
Air purifiers, such as HEPA filters, are great for trapping and filtering airborne allergens like pollen and pet dander.
Since there are so many types of air purifiers, research before getting one to determine which works best for your house and your needs. And be sure to replace the filters regularly!
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are also super helpful! Some months of the year, such as Spring and Summer, bring more humid days, and a dehumidifier will remove excess moisture from the air and reduce mold and mildew, which also cause allergies.
Other times of the year, specifically the Winter, are extra dry and could benefit from a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated and soothe dry, irritated nasal passages.
6. Try At-Home Remedies
Depending on your symptoms, there are quick, at-home remedies to relieve symptoms temporarily.
If you have a headache or if your eyes are itchy, try an ice pack or cold compress, which can soothe swollen and itching eyes. If your nose is running, itchy, or congested, try rinsing it out. Ask your doctor about saline nasal sprays or try neti pots, which can clean the nasal passage.
Also, honey simply helps soothe sore throats! If your throat hurts or you have a cough, suck on cough drops, use throat spray, or drink hot tea. 
7. Consume Raw Honey
Raw honey, particularly local honey, is excellent for relieving allergy symptoms! Honey sourced locally will have local pollen from the plants and flowers the bees have gathered from.
Over time, you may become less sensitive to this pollen, and as a result, you may experience less allergy symptoms.
Also, honey simply soothes sore throats and might even help suppress coughs. Add some to your hot tea or warm lemon water.
I know how frustrating seasonal allergies can be, so hopefully, these tips will make this season more bearable for you this year.
For more natural remedies to relieve seasonal allergies, check out this post.
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