Foil Your Fall Allergy
September 12, 2017
Prevent Allergy Flare-Ups!
Got the allergy blues? For 30 million people, fall is the time of year for runny noses and itchy eyes, as pollen starts floating through the air. If you’re sensitive to ragweed, you know what we’re talking about. One hardy little ragweed plant can produce one billion grains of pollen. No wonder there’s so much sneezing going on!
The health care pros say you have a few options to foil allergy flare-ups and find relief.
- Pollen-Free Living
As much as possible during ragweed season, keep your windows shut and your air conditioner on (even in your car). HEPA air filters can help, especially if your home has carpeting. The Consumer Reports Buying Guide has the pros and cons of air purifiers, and recommendations for brands. HEPA vacuum cleaners can help, too, filtering out up to 99 percent of the small particles that can trigger allergies.
- Wear a Mask
Wearing a mask will cut down your exposure to pollen, especially when you’re outside gardening or mowing the lawn. It’s not 100 percent effective (you’d need to walk around in a hazmat suit to get complete protection!). The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says a mask with an N95 rating is best. Those are available at most drug stores and on Amazon.
- Wash Hands/Change Clothes
Wash your face and hands to rid them of invisible particles. If you’ve been outside for a while, shower and change your clothes to minimize allergy symptoms.
- No More Bananas
Did you know certain foods can make allergy symptoms worse? Experts say to steer clear of melons, bananas and chamomile because they contain proteins like those in ragweed.
- Rinse Your Nose
Nasal douching, as it is sometimes called, uses a saline solution to wash pollen from your nostrils and sinuses and can be super effective in cutting down allergy symptoms. You can get over-the-counter irrigation kits with medicinal salt packets, and while somewhat unpleasant, the pros agree — irrigate to feel first-rate!
You can also track pollen counts at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and sign up for email alerts when levels get high.
If these pollen-avoidance strategies fail to bring relief, nonprescription antihistamines, such Claritin and Zyrtec, are generally the first choice for mild to moderate symptoms.
While no cure exists for fall-related allergies, you can find ways to avoid or minimize symptoms and enjoy the season in all its autumnal glory!
Fall in Southshore
It feels like fall in the master-planned community of Southshore, near entertainment, shopping and great schools! Tour the brand new models from Richmond American Homes and the latest home designs from Century Communities at The Hills in Southshore! New homes are available in ranch and two-story designs, and are priced from the upper $300s to the $700s.