4 Ways You Can Prepare For Spring Allergy Season
March 29, 2020
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans have experienced various types of allergies each year. An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, called an allergen. This reaction could cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. When spring comes around, pollen becomes a potent allergen for many Americans.
Every year when spring comes around, do you find yourself stocking up on allergy meds? Don’t let spring allergy season catch you off guard this year. Instead, you can take steps to make sure you are prepared for when the pollen attack strikes. Here are 4 ways you can prepare yourself for spring allergy season:
1. Check Your Medicine Cabinet
It’s important to go ahead and have allergy medicine in your home before spring allergy season starts up. If you are taking Over-the-counter allergy medicine, then you’ll want to make sure you are buying according to your symptoms. Otherwise, you can get allergy medicine prescribed by a doctor. Either way, you should start taking your medicine as soon as your symptoms begin. Be sure to check the expiration date on the allergy medicine that is already in your cabinets.
2. Schedule an Appointment With an Allergist
For some people, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an allergist. This will help pinpoint what exactly is causing your symptoms to flare up. In some cases, your allergist will prescribe you medicine to take during allergy season. At your appointment, you should tell them all of your symptoms so they can help you. For help finding Ascension Network allergists use the “Find a Doctor” search on mysmarthealth.org.
3. Watch Out For Pollen
Pollen tends to spread like wildfire, especially during spring allergy season. One way you can decrease your allergy symptoms is by avoiding pollen. Try and change your clothes when you get home. This will decrease the chance of your body having an allergic reaction to the pollen. Wash your hands and face after spending large amounts of time outside.
4. Stock Up on Allergy Relief Supplies
Besides medicine, there are supplies you can buy to help give you some relief during allergy season. Buy more local fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system. Green tea can help loosen the mucus in your system, while also soothing your scratchy throat.
All of these are ways you can prepare yourself and your family for the spring allergy season. Don’t forget to book an appointment with your allergist ahead of time. Taking precautions early will save you from being overwhelmed with allergy symptoms later on.
