After such a brutal winter with so much precipitation, this spring promises to bring a challenging allergy season to the South Shore. Regardless, we will tell our patients what we tell them every year: the first step in allergy treatment is avoidance, and avoidance is attainable no matter how tough the environment. With a little planning and practice, there are simple and doable steps anyone can take to minimize their exposure to seasonal allergens.
1. Be Smart about Time Outside:
· Pollen counts are highest in the early morning, so try to confine outdoor activities to late morning/afternoon hours
· Stay inside on dry, windy days; the best weather to venture out in is after a good rain, when pollen has been cleared from the air
· Hire out lawn mowing and gardening jobs, or delegate them to non-allergic family members; these activities stir up the pollen and will provoke severe symptoms
· Remove and wash all clothing once you’re indoors, and consider showering to rinse pollen from hair and skin
2. Track the Pollen Count:
· Local TV news broadcasts, newspapers, and local websites will have updated information you can check on daily
· Close windows, doors, and car windows when high pollen counts are forecast
· If high pollen counts are predicted, take medication before waiting for symptoms to start
· Avoid air-dry clothing, sheets, and towels on an outdoor clothesline when high South Shore counts are forecast
3. Maintain Indoor Spaces:
· Take shoes and boots off at the door to avoid tracking pollen inside
· Keep windows shut and run the air conditioning in your home and car
· Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom
· Use a dehumidifier to keep home air dry and less hospitable to allergens
· Vacuum with a HEPA filter or double-bagging, and consider wearing a dust mask for extra protection
· If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with area rugs you can roll up if necessary; replace heavy drapes with wipeable blinds
· Bathe regularly any pets who go outdoors
Want more information? We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have! 508.746.8977.