POLLEN COUNT
While pollen from trees is the most common culprit in allergies during spring, ragweed pollen is the most notorious allergy trigger during the fall, plaguing up to 65 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
If you’re on this page because you’re a statistic and you want to learn how to best protect yourself from pollen allergies this fall, the simple tips we’ve listed below will help you keep the sniffles at bay.
Tip #1 Check pollen counts.
Websites like Pollen.com and that of the National Allergy Bureau have a pollen map, which you can simply click on to view the pollen count of a specific area. The Weather Channel is also a good resource, as it offers pollen forecast and information about the pollen type and offers a rating for “breathing comfort.” You can use these resources to know which areas you should avoid frequenting during the allergy season.
Tip #2 Take a shower as soon as you get home.
As soon as you arrive home after spending time outdoors, leave your shoes in one area then take a shower to remove pollen that may have landed on your hair and skin. Also, make sure to wash your clothing right away.
Tip #3 Keep your windows closed.
To help prevent ragweed pollen and other allergens from entering your home, keep your windows closed. Investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter ensures allergens are filtered out and healthy air flows throughout your home.
Tip #4 Clean your home regularly.
Cleaning regularly, not only during the allergy season but the whole year round helps ensure allergens do not build up in your home. Your curtains, beddings, pillowcases, towels, and clothes are common breeding grounds for pollen and dust. Splurging on the right vacuum cleaner, doing laundry more often, and removing carpeting, and using hardwood flooring instead can also go a long way toward allergy-proofing your home.
Tip #5 Work with an allergist.
To keep your allergies from putting a damper on your day-to-day activities, your best bet is to see an allergist, who can develop an appropriate treatment plan, which will likely consist of preventative medications and avoidance techniques.
Trusted Allergist in Downers Grove, IL
At Oak Brook Allergists, our board-certified allergists offer innovative and highly effective solutions for all types of environmental allergies—helping scores of patients across Illinois successfully tamp down their allergies and restore their quality of life.
Don’t let another season pass without you getting expert treatment from Oak Brook Allergists. We have locations in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Plainfield. To schedule a consultation with any one of our allergists, call us today at (630) 574-0460 or use our appointment request form.
