Spring is just around the corner, but for those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies, it can be a challenging time of year. Warm breezes can carry pollen from those long grasses, fragrant flowers, and blossoming trees and wreak havoc on your eyes, nose, and throat. There are some simple, practical steps, though, that you can take to limit your exposure to irritants.
Photo by SweetCrisis
1. Check the weather for your local pollen count and forecast and keep windows and doors closed on those days, especially in afternoon hours.
2. Wipe down hard surfaces in your home regularly to remove dirt and dust.
3. Practice spring cleaning by shampooing carpets, sofas, and armchairs, and laundering curtains.
4. If you have indoor/outdoor animals, rub them down with a towel before they come back inside to remove pollen and plant matter from their fur.
5. Consider investing in a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for your home.
6. Wear a pollen mask when performing activities that expose you to a high amount of allergens, like when mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or dusting.
7. Take a shower and put on clean clothes every evening to avoid bringing pollen and other irritants from the day into bed.
If you’re experiencing severe allergic reactions, be sure to make an appointment with your Orlando Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, who may be able to prescribe medications to make you more comfortable so you can get outside and enjoy the spring sunshine.
