15 Tips for Avoiding Spring Allergies

Spring is here! Which means plenty of sunshine, rain and unfortunately--pollen. But don’t worry; by taking these precautions you can limit your exposure to pollen and enjoy the springtime without your allergies going crazy.

1. Take Medication Before the Symptoms Start

   Don’t wait until you’re congested and miserable to start taking your allergy medication. Be preemptive and take it when high pollen counts are forecast.

2. Watch the Pollen Forecasts

   Speaking of which, you’ll need to keep an eye on the pollen forecast. Fortunately there are many great sites (and apps) for doing so, such as http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp. If it’s going to be particularly bad, consider doing indoor activities that day.

3. Go Out Later in the Day

   Pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning. So if you have allergies you may want to switch your morning jog to an evening jog, when pollen levels are lower.

4. Leave Your Shoes Outside the Door

   Shoes track tons of pollen into the house, so take them off before entering or at the very least wipe them on a mat.

5. Eat Fruit

   In addition to being delicious and healthy, fruits contain antioxidants which help your body battle inflammation and control your allergy symptoms.

6. Change Your Air Conditioning Filter

   By using a dirty air conditioning filter you recirculate dust, mold and pollen into the air. Remember to replace your filter every three months to keep allergy symptoms to a minimum.

7. Use Your Air Conditioner

   Also, be sure to use your air conditioner (at home and in the car) rather than leaving doors or windows open, or all that outdoor pollen will waltz right in.

8. Use a Dehumidifier

   Dehumidifiers kill dust mites, one of the most common allergy triggers.

9. Clean!

   Cleaning also gets rid of dust and dust mites. Use a damp cloth to gather them up and get them out of your home. Be especially thorough around your bed, where you spend much of your time every week.

10. Shower Before Bed

    Speaking of keeping your bed clean, shower before going to bed to wash off any pollen that may have gathered on your hair and skin throughout the day.

11. Wear Sunglasses Outside

    If itchy, red eyes are one of your allergy symptoms, then simply wearing sunglasses will help.

12. Wear a Dust Mask

    If it’s a particularly high pollen day outside, you may also want to wear a dust mask when you go outside.

13. Don’t Mow the Lawn

    If you have an allergy-free family member or the spare cash to hire a lawn-mowing service, it might be worthwhile to have someone else do the yard work. If that’s not an option, you can still reduce your pollen exposure by washing your clothes once you get back inside.

14. Don’t Hang Your Clothes Outside to Dry

    This may be the most energy efficient method of drying clothes, but they will get covered in pollen.

15. Get a Hardwood Floor

    This is probably the least practical tip, but if you happen to be remodeling remember that hardwood or tile floors trap a lot less pollen than carpet. Also, shutters and blinds trap less pollen than drapes.