How to Handle Hayfever Season

If you have spring allergies, the time is nearly upon us for sneezing and itching. (Depending on where you live, it may have already begun.) Here are some tips for how to deal with the pollen and manage your symptoms.

See an allergist

An allergist can help you figure out what you’re allergic to. Besides pollen and other spring plant life, sometimes allergies that start in the spring can come from year-round sources, like dust mites or pet dander that you don’t really notice until your hayfever starts flaring up.

How to control for the pollen

Airborne pollen can get everywhere. It’s in the air, of course, so you’ll want to keep windows closed, even if you do enjoy a nice spring breeze. Running the air conditioner in your car may be a better choice than driving down the highway with the windows down.

To filter out pollen that does make it into your house, consider running an air purifier, either for the whole house or just in your bedroom. (I have spring allergies and dust allergies, and an air purifier by my bed was an absolute game changer in being able to rest without constant allergy symptoms.)

Then, consider other ways pollen might come in from outside. Pollen can stick to your clothes, so it’s a good idea to change your clothes when you come home, and to shower and wash your hair if you’ve been outside a lot that day. Definitely do not wear your pollen-coated clothes to bed.

Pets can also carry pollen on their fur, so be aware; you may want to give your pet a bath more often, or limit their access to the outdoors if that’s appropriate for them. At the least, wash your hands after petting them.

Weather apps can give you pollen counts for the day. This is where knowing what you’re allergic to really helps, so you can check on ragweed pollen if that’s the one that bothers you. Pollen travels the most on windy, warm, dry days, so be extra vigilant in that weather. Rainy, cold, and calm days will be a bit of a relief.