There are dozens of reasons to love fall, but if you’re an allergy sufferer, you may not be feeling so pleased. Spring is known as the season when pollination causes our sinuses to run wild (no pun intended) but autumn can also have people high on allergy alert.
As the leaves and branches begin to fall, outdoor mold, fall ragweed, other weeds, and grasses can all trigger the dreaded sniffles and itchy eyes. Not fun. The culprits usually do their worst during August and October, but pollen seasons have reportedly been getting longer over the last few decades, meaning that allergy symptoms may be hanging around a lot longer.
If you’re prone to sneezing, runny nose, streaming eyes, cough, and congestion, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort.
Pollen Prevention
As pollen is one of the main instigators, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on which days have high pollen counts and limiting your time outdoors on those days, as well as keeping windows closed. Windy days can also be rough. If you must venture out on these days, wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
Spring Clean
Symptom triggers can find their way into your home, so take steps to allergy-proof it. Get a vacuum with a HEPA filter that cleans the air, and wash your bed linen with hot water. An air purifier can also work wonders.
Medicare
If you are truly struggling, there is no shame in going the medicated route. Taking allergy medication like an antihistamine that won’t make you drowsy or a nose spray to reduce nasal inflammation should make a huge difference.
