4 Ways to Keep Spring Allergies at Bay

A runny nose? Watery eyes? If you’re like the other 17.6 million adults in the U.S. this time of year, you’re likely experiencing indoor or outdoor allergy symptoms. When your immune system detects a foreign substance that has been inhaled into your lungs—commonly referred to as an allergen—it responds by reacting, with minor symptoms such as sneezing and coughing, to more severe symptoms such as trouble breathing and asthma attacks.

These symptoms become more prevalent as the seasons change, and even more prevalent when we enter the spring season. This is because the most common triggers for indoor and outdoor allergies are plants such as certain trees, grass, and weed pollen, in addition to mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander—all elements that can be affected by the time of year. If you or someone you know is suffering from uncontrollable indoor and outdoor allergies, try the following DIY tips to keep those symptoms at bay:

1. Saline Rinse

One good way to get ahead of bothersome allergies is to spray a saline solution into your nose regularly to wash away pollen and other allergens. Studies have shown that by doing so at least twice a day, you can reduce nasal congestion! So,if you’re not a big fan of taking too many medications, this is definitely one of the best allergy-symptom fighters out there.

2.Fish Oil

If you have asthma that is triggered by allergies, consuming oily fish such as tuna or sardines will reduce your levels of leukotrienes—chemicals that contribute to allergic reactions. If you’re not a fan of seafood, fish oil supplements also do the trick!

3. Wear Sunglasses Outdoors

While wearing sunglasses may not seem like the most obvious solution to ridding yourself of allergy symptoms, it actually does more than you think! By wearing sunglasses—or even wearing a wide-brimmed hat—you can help prevent allergens such as pollen from getting into your eyes, reducing your chances of watery, itchy eyes.

4. Take Your Shoes Off Indoors

Believe it or not, when dust does get tracked throughout the house—and if you frequently walk in carpeted areas—you can cause the dust to be released from carpet, and into the air!By taking your shoes off as soon as you get inside, you can prevent these allergens being transferred into those high-traffic areas in the home.

By following these simple tips, you can put those allergy symptoms at bay, without the need for allergy medications that may make you drowsy. However, if you’re experiencing severe allergy symptoms frequently, such as asthma attacks, we recommend that you stop by our Memorial Heights ER facility so we can provide you with prompt treatment.