Spring cleaning and allergies

Have you been taking cold medicine for weeks to ease your runny nose and sneezing, yet that “winter cold” seems to hang on and not away?   It could actually be springtime allergies.  

Allergies affect over 35 million Americans.  Pollen, mold, animal dander and dust are harmless for many people.   But for allergy sufferers, their body’s immune system overreacts to certain substances, called allergens, as though they were dangerous foreign invaders like a virus.   This results in the release of chemicals in the body that cause allergic symptoms.   These symptoms may include nasal congestion, itchy nose, watery eyes, itchy eyes, nasal drainage, itchy ears, headaches, sneezing, cough, etc.

Spring is a difficult time for allergy sufferers because with spring rains, there is more mold growth inside and outside of our homes.   Flowers, trees, and grasses begin to blossom.   And with the tradition of spring cleaning, dust is stirred up inside our homes.  

You can help to cope with your springtime allergies by reducing or eliminating your contact with allergy triggers:

1.  To avoid outdoor pollen:    minimize early morning activity, keep windows closed in your car and home, change clothes after returning home from prolonged outdoor activity, change air conditioning filters frequently, and shower and wash hair before going to bed to help reduce accumulated pollen in your hair.

2.  To reduce problems with indoor allergens: wear a mask and gloves when cleaning and vacuuming, vacuum at least twice a week, if you have throw rugs make sure they are washable, wipe the insider of the refrigerator with vinegar to kill mildew, place pieces of cheesecloth or special allergy filters under the faceplates of bedroom vents, and keep pets out of bedrooms.

If conservative environmental controls fail, talk to your doctor about seasonal allergy medication or allergy shots.