There’s nothing worse than wanting to enjoy the beautiful weather, but being burdened with seasonal Allergies. Whether it’s pollen, mold, grass, or some other allergen, the runny nose and itchy eyes can put a real damper on any outdoor activity. Allergies are a pretty common condition, so there are a lot of ways to alleviate and manage symptoms. Here are some tips to help you get through the season.

1. Reduce Your Exposure

If you know what you’re allergic to, do whatever you can to reduce your exposure to it. Are you allergic to pet dander? Consider getting a hypoallergenic pet. If it’s pollen, keep your windows shut in the house and the car. Try to stay indoors as much as possible or be mindful about when you go outside (for instance, if it’s a windy day, more Allergens will be flowing through the air than on a calm day).

2. Keep track of Allergen Levels in Your Area

There are a variety of apps and websites that track allergens in your area and alert you if they are high. If you know that you’re allergic to grass, you can set up alerts to monitor allergen levels for grass so you can be conscious about outdoor exposure. It’s a great way to enjoy the weather without having to worry that you’ll get over-exposure to your allergen.

3. Clean the House—and Keep It Clean

Dust, pet dander, and outdoor allergens can quickly build up and creep into your air vents within your home. You can help keep your home free of allergens by regularly cleaning surfaces and changing out your air filters. Make a conscious effort to sweep and dust your home often (maybe dedicate one area to each day of the week to make it more manageable), and keep doors and windows shut until outdoor allergens are gone.

4. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

You don’t have to run to the doctor to get treatment for airborne allergies; instead, you can just run to your corner drug store. There are a variety of over-the-counter options to help you battle your allergies. Remedies such as pills (that last anywhere from 12–24 hours), nasal sprays, and even super strength antihistamines (which you may have to ask the pharmacist for, as many are kept behind the counter but don’t require a prescription) are all ways to deal with your allergies.  

5. Shower After Being Outdoors

If you spend a day outside during Allergy season, you likely took as many precautions as you could before venturing out. Still, sitting in the open air means exposing yourself to those allergens, so when you return home, take a quick shower (if you have long hair, be sure to shampoo it) and change your clothes. This will help eliminate the risk of an allergy attack later on once those precautions you took ware off.

6. Try A Nasal Rinse

A nasal rinse may seem intimidating, but it’s a great way to clear out your nose in a safe and effective way. It may take a little time to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll find relief from your stuffy nose and it will help clear your airway of any allergens that have built up.

7. Consider Allergy Shots

If over-the-counter and natural remedies just aren’t doing the trick, it may be time to consider visiting an allergist to get a proper diagnosis and possibly shots. With this treatment, your doctor will inject you with a small amount allergens so that your body can create an immunity to it (much like a flu shot). It’s usually not a one-time shot and requires maintenance and multiple treatments. However, it can significantly increase your quality of life.

Regardless of the route you choose, always be sure to check in with a doctor to ensure you’re choosing the best treatment for your individual allergies and overall health.

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