I’m lucky – I outgrew my allergies. But I know a lot of people are starting their annual season of suffering as the pollen counts rise. All the sniffling and sneezing, coughing and itching isn’t fun so while you’re waiting for your allergy medications to kick in, let’s think about other ways to help alleviate the misery. Here are some tips I’ve heard are helpful:
- Stay indoors when you know the pollen counts are going to be high. Local news broadcasts are pretty good about warning you on high pollen count days. While pollen counts can vary widely based on plant activity, weather and time of day, on average the pollen count is lowest right before dawn, peaks around mid-day and then falls through the afternoon/evening.
- Keep up on the housecleaning. Vacuum more than once a week and don’t be stingy with the Swiffers. Anywhere dust can build up, pollen is hiding too. And don’t forget to change the filter on your furnace/AC regularly too!
- Try a saline nasal spray or neti pot. Twice a day nasal rinses help clear the pollen from your membranes. And a salt water gargle can help with a scratchy throat too!
- Take a shower at night to get all the pollen off of you and out of your hair so you don’t deposit it all in your bedding. Change your clothes after you’ve been outside – and leave your shoes at the door. And don’t neglect your pets either – your dog may be a regular pollen ball if you aren’t making sure it is groomed regularly too.
Do you have a favorite trick to minimize the agony of allergies? Let us know in the comments!
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