Summer is creeping up on us as shorts get shorter, sleeves disappear and pollen wafts through the Texas air. Summer can become quite stressful for those of us with seasonal allergies and can honestly put a damper on any hot plans! Today we’ll be sharing some of the easiest and most sustainable ways to beat seasonal allergies.
Reducing your exposure to allergens:
This is the first and most important step you can take to fight off those allergy attacks. These are just a few ways to make sure your exposure to your allergens become limited and more controlled.
First things first, try to stay inside as much as you can on those dry and windy days when the spread of pollen is amplified. After rainfall is when the air has been cleared and is safest for any pollen sensitive folks. Now, if you do step outside on those dry and windy days either for work or because you need fresh air, make sure to wash and swap those ‘outside clothes’ for fresh clean clothes once you’re home; make sure to wash your face and hair too (and don’t sit on the couch or get into bed until you’ve changed). Another way to help yourself out in the Summertime would be to wear a facemask when you’re doing outside chores.
Taking extra steps when pollen count is high
Now we know that no one wants to be cooped up during Summer because of their allergies and there are ways to work around that! Make sure to check your local weather report on TV or radio or jump onto the internet to check the pollen count for the day. If you see that the pollen count is especially high then you know to take your antihistamines before stepping out for the day! It’s also important to close your doors and windows at night time to avoid pollen wafting into the house. During these times it’s just as important to keep the air inside your home clean and this does mean a bit of a splurge but trust us, it’s worth it… Invest in a dehumidifier to keep your indoor space clean and dry! If you’re in the car make sure to turn the AC on and also invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter to keep your floors pollen and allergen free!
With all that being said it’s vital that you take your medication too –
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on laboratory testing consultation and can easily get some over the counter medication for your allergies. Some of the most commonly used OTC medications are oral antihistamines (like Claritin) as well as Corticosteriod nasal sprays (eg: Flonase Allergy Relief) which bring quick relief for nasal symptoms. And finally, a tried and trusted at home fix: sinus rinses. Doing a nasal rinse with saline solution is a quick and affordable way to flush those allergens and any stuck mucus from your nose.
If you have trouble taking daily medication or sticking to these medication routines, it may be best to consider an allergy shot when the seasons change – these shots desensitize you to specific allergens by injecting a tiny amount of the substances that aggravate your allergies and overtime it reduces your immune system’s reaction to those allergens.
We know how allergies can take the fun out of your Summer, and we don’t want anyone to deal with those bummers! It’s always best to speak to a healthcare provider about what your body and immune system specifically needs and that’s where we come in to help our fellow Texans. Set up a call today and let’s get you healthy and ready for Summer! We aim to see you happy and healthy after visiting Happy Bun Pediatrics, your friendly neighborhood pediatrician, specializing in the care of newborns and kids, in McKinney, near Frisco, Prosper, and Celina areas!