Top Survival Tips for Springtime Allergies
An allergy is an overreaction of the human immune system to foreign substances, known as allergens, that eaten, breathed in, injected or touched. We cannot see allergens, but we know they are there because our reaction is to cough, sneeze; rub itchy eyes; we wipe runny noses and clear scratchy throats constantly. We know that the doomsdays of the Polar Vortex are behind us, but now we have to live in the hands of pollen pounding New York in all directions. Pollen heads in from all directions from the meadowlands, to suburban lawns and even our city parks.
While tree allergies are the majority of the culprits, we can also spot various weed, grass and mold allergies can hang over our heads constantly as the weather warms up. While you may be stocking your home and office with loads of tissues, we feel that you can make the most of spring with the help of an experienced pulmonologist in New York. If allergies have yet to hit you then it is best to get a professional treatment beforehand to ensure that springtime allergies do not get the best of you. Considering that spring pollen is on its way to your doorstep, here are some spring allergy survival tips to help manage your sinuses.
Keep Your Nose Out of the Trees and Flowers
We all love the smell of fresh flowers and reading a great book under your favorite tree is a special pastime, but pollen from wild plants and gorgeous white oaks are most likely to make you sneeze. Try your best to keep flowers and plants out of your home, especially your bedroom.
Know the Best Times to Go Outside
Going out for a stroll in the park after dinner or before breakfast is not a great idea in New York. Most plants pollinate before sunrise and during windy mornings pollen can travel up to 50 miles, so try to stay indoors at least until 9 a.m. After that we most likely have until sunset before pollen counts go back up. Typically the best part to enjoy the great outdoors is during lunch and just before dinner.
Try an Anti-Sneeze Diet
You can fight allergies when you fuel your body properly. Just as you need to fight the sun with sunscreen, you will need vitamin C-based foods to unblock clogged sinuses. Keep your refrigerator loaded with grapefruit, oranges, broccoli and kale. Research shows that quercetin – found in black tea, green tea and apples – inhibits the release of histamines that trigger sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes.
Bathe Before Snoozing
Hair and skin are pollen magnets, so it is important to keep your head and home free of pollen the best you can after a late afternoon jog. Washing your hair before bed is the best prevention from nighttime allergies from clinging to your furniture, pillows and comforters. If you forget, then you can always take the initiative to wash your bed linens at least once a week in 130-degree water. On top of that it is never suggested to hang dry your clothes and linens at any time.
Track Pollen Counts
Being a clever allergy tracker can help you avoid pollen when it’s at its highest. According to The Weather Channel pollen counts are currently very high and tend to stay there as long as dry and breezy weather persist. Pollen counts have gone up but are not necessarily high just yet, so as long as you make use of an interactive pollen tracker you can plan your day trips ahead of time. If you can, avoid being out on high pollen count days or take your allergy medication in advance of leaving your home.
If you want to learn more about keeping springtime allergies at bay then schedule an appointment with our allergy expert to test for the various allergies lingering around you. Count on the expertise of New York pulmonologist Dr. Shukla to kee you healthy all year long.
