Do you suffer from springtime allergies? If so, you aren’t alone. It’s estimated that nearly 1 in 2 adults experience allergies around this time of year. Spring is characterized by blooming plants, which subsequently means pollen is flowing freely through the air. When exposed to this pollen, it’s not uncommon for the body’s immune system to overproduce key inflammatory hormones, causing the symptoms of an allergic attack. Whether your allergies are mild or severe, though, there are a few things you can do to manage it.
Allergy Test
The first step in dealing with springtime allergies is to have an allergy test performed. This involves the placement of thin needles directly under your skin, each of which contains a small amount of common allergens (e.g. ragweed). The physician will then check the skin to see if any area is inflamed. If an area is red and inflamed, you are allergic to the respective allergen used in the testing needle. If the area remains normal, you are not allergic to the allergen.
Antihistamine
Of course, antihistamine medicine may also help to control your springtime allergies. These medicines work by blocking the hormone associated with allergic attacks; thereby, reducing the associated symptoms. It’s not exactly a cure for allergies, but it will certainly relieve some of the discomfort. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the different types of antihistamines and which one is best suited for your particular condition.
Limit Time Outdoors
Because springtime allergies are often caused by pollen, it’s recommended that you limit your time spent outdoors. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should stay cooped up indoors the entire season, but you should be conscious of the pollen level and your exposure to it. Most local news stations provide pollen reports throughout the spring, so check your local TV station in advance before going outside.
Use a Humidifier
How can a humidifier help you cope with springtime allergies? Humidifiers work by releasing moisture vapor into the air. When the humidity level drops below a certain amount, the humidifier kicks on; thus, releasing additional moisture to bump up the humidity. Among other things, this helps to control the spread of pollen and allergies, as the moisture vapor saturates the allergens and weighs it downs.
Following the tips outlined here will give you the upper-hand on allergies this spring season.
