Managing seasonal allergies involves acknowledging your symptoms are allergies so you can try to avoid triggers. When that cannot be avoided or is not enough then using medications, and making lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms. We at The Health Lab deeply believe that both options to prevent and manage seasonal allergies should be assessed to give you the best outcomes. Here’s a guide to help you manage them effectively:
1. Avoiding Allergens
Stay Indoors: Stay indoors on high pollen days, especially in the early morning when pollen levels are highest.
Keep Windows Closed: Keep windows closed at home and in your car to reduce pollen exposure.
Use Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens inside your home. Also remember to change/clean filters regularly in your ac/heating and vacuums.
Shower and Change Clothes: After spending time outdoors and/or with pets that have been outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your skin and hair. Bathe pets regularly that go outside as they can collect pollen in their fur as well.
Dry Clothes Indoors: Avoid drying clothes outside where they can collect pollen.
2. Medications
Antihistamines: Over-the-counter (OTC) long acting antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) can help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose when taken regularly and consistently. Save the use of Benadryl for rashes and bites/stings as it is more effective for those types of allergic reactions versus daily allergy relief.
Decongestants: OTC decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help relieve severe nasal congestion, but should be used with caution and for not more than 3 days as they can ultimately make symptoms worse. People with high blood pressure and anxiety should avoid taking decongestants.
Nasal Sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort) can reduce inflammation and treat nasal symptoms. These can be very effective for nasal symptoms especially when used in conjunction with nasal saline rinses and/or neti pot rinses 1-2 times daily.
Eye Drops: Antihistamine eye drops can help relieve itchy, watery eyes. These would include brands such as Pataday and Zaditor or their generic equivalents. Also, regular moisturizing eye drops like Systane can be helpful and soothing to dry eyes caused by allergies- avoid Visine as this will only make symptoms worse.
Allergy Shots: For long-term relief, consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) to gradually reduce your sensitivity to allergens. See an Allergist for a consultation and testing to see what your allergies are and if immunotherapy is right for you.
3. Natural Remedies
Saline Nasal Rinse: Using a saline nasal rinse can help clear pollen from your nasal passages and relieve congestion.
Butterbur: Some studies suggest that butterbur, a natural herb, may help reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Quercetin: Found in foods like apples and onions, quercetin is a natural antihistamine that may help reduce symptoms.
Honey: Local honey can help with reducing sensitivity over time. Don't use metal instruments and eat directly for best benefit. It is suggested that putting it in warm liquids and cooking it can decrease the benefits of the honey.
Support your immune system: Regular and therapeutic levels of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin C can help support a healthy immune system. See your healthcare Provider for specific dosages and supplements that are right for you.
4. Monitor Pollen Counts
Use weather apps or websites to monitor daily pollen counts (most local Allergist websites have pollen counts updated regularly). Plan outdoor activities when counts are lower.
5. Diet and Hydration
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and relieve congestion. Plan to drink half of your body weight in ounces daily.
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation. Consider growing your own foods if possible to reduce pesticide use and/or purchasing organic foods as well as grass fed/no grain fed/no antibiotic use meats.
6. Lifestyle Adjustments
Exercise Indoors: On high pollen days, exercise indoors to avoid triggering symptoms.
Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from airborne allergens when you’re outside.
Clean Regularly: Dust and vacuum your home frequently to remove allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
Use Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens inside your home. Also remember to change/clean filters regularly in your ac/heating and vacuums.
7. Consult with a Provider
If your symptoms are severe or not well-controlled with OTC medications, we believe that our concierege medical practice is the perfect place to find the support needed to overcome the dreaded allergy symptoms. We offer a free discovery visit in which we take 20 minutes to talk about your symptoms, what you have tried, in order to know if we can help you on this journey. The best part is that this consulation is free, if we are the right fit for you, then we can start treatment through our membership program that day. Click the link before to set up for free discovery visit!
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