Spring is in the Air...are you Ready?
April is the month many pollens range in the high levels and allergy sufferers tend to suffer the consequences. Are you running for the boxes of tissues and over-the-counter medications to ward off the sniffles, sneezes, watery eyes and headaches?
Many people suffer from pollen allergy and have a trying time during spring. People who like the outdoors can be at the mercy of the pollen in the air. If you are an outdoors person, there is some good news for you.
Skin testing is an extremely effective process that screens out plants that can trigger allergic reactions. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has recently listed the biggest culprits of pollens. Avoiding these plants can reduce irritating pollen and still allow you to be outdoors. Some of the more common varieties are: Ash, Cedar, Crocus, Cottonwood, Elderberry, Maple, Oak, Peony, Pine, Poppy, Privet and Willow.
The following selection of garden flowers, trees and grasses can add both color and variety to your garden without irritating your allergies: Azalea, Begonia, Bougainvillea, Cacti, Cherry Dahlia, Daisy, Geranium, Gladiola, Hibiscus, Iris, Magnolia, Marigold, Orchid, Roses, Sunflower, Tulip and Violet.
In addition to careful plant selection there are other ways of making the outdoors more enjoyable.
Helpful Strategies for Outdoor Allergy Sufferers
Get tested. You may not be allergic to what you think. The results will help you avoid what's irritating you and once this is established, work together with your allergist to devise the best treatment plan. A simple test, exposing you to drops of everything from grass pollen or dog dander, can determine what causes your body to react.
Pollen counts are usually higher in the morning. If you're allergy prone, limit your exposure during those hours if you can. For example, try running in the evening rather than the morning. Windy days are also a good time to stay indoors, as dust and pollen are blowing around.
If you've been outdoors and have been exposed to high levels of pollen, take off your shoes and change your clothes as soon as you can, so you don't track it all over your home. Shower and shampoo your hair to rid yourself of the pollen spores.
Antihistamines, if taken at the first sign of any symptoms and if taken daily can help. Oral medication and decongestant sprays and even a simple saline spray can also temporarily relieve symptoms.
If medications don't relieve your symptoms, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be the way to go. After being injected with small doses of the offending allergen, your body, over a period of time becomes immune to it. Ensure you visit a board-certified allergist.
Clean up your home. Hardwood floors do not harbor allergens as carpets do. Wash bath mats and throw rugs in hot water at least once a week and vacuum carpet as often as you can.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends turning on air conditioners and keeping them set on recirculate. Try not to open too many windows in your house when you are aware of high pollen counts.
Breathe clean air. HEPA filters can trap allergens that can irritate you.
