POLLEN COUNT
When summer comes along, most people look forward to pleasant weather. If you’re an allergy sufferer, the upcoming summer means preparing for the season and trying as best as you can to reduce the frequency of allergy attacks. Summer may be coming to an end in Illinois, but time seems to stretch if you keep experiencing allergy attacks.
One of the most common summer allergies is allergic rhinitis, which is triggered by pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses that pollinate during the warmer months. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most manageable allergies, and here, we will talk about 5 ways to do it.
#1 Practice Avoidance
You can easily check the daily pollen count on your phone! If the pollen count on the day is particularly high, you may want to take extra precautions by staying doors and keeping windows closed. Save fun outdoor activities, like hiking and biking, for days with a low pollen count. If you do need to go out, don’t stay out too long. The more you avoid your allergens, the less likely you are to have a reaction.
#2 Take Antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine activity, bind to histamine receptors, and ease the effects of histamines in the body, which result in the easing of allergic rhinitis symptoms. It is important to use them correctly in order to get the most benefit and avoid any potential side effects.
- Start taking them before your symptoms start. Once pollen season begins, it is even recommended that some patients take an antihistamine every day – even when they don’t have symptoms yet. This will help prevent an allergic reaction.
- Choose the right product. There are many different types of antihistamines on the market, so talk to your allergy doctor about which one is best for you based on your specific needs and medical history.
- Be aware of side effects. Some people experience drowsiness when taking certain antihistamines. If you experience drowsiness, consider a non-drowsy formula during the day.
#3 Take Decongestants
Decongestants are medications used to relieve congestion and pressure caused by allergies by reducing inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages. Decongestants are available in pill or nasal spray form. Decongestants can be taken together with antihistamines.
#4 Wear a Mask
Some face masks that can protect you from COVID-19 can also block pollen. To ensure your mask will help with your summer allergies, use a medical mask or N95 mask, which can catch particles as small as 0.04 micrometers in size, which is smaller than the average size of allergy-producing pollen. Even masks constructed with several layers of cloth can be helpful.
#5 Clean, Clean, Clean!
Pollen can travel into your house in many ways, such as on the clothes of your loved ones, on your dog after a walk, and on delivery boxes left outside your door. Establish a policy that clothes must be changed immediately when arriving home, keep your dog off the couch and your bed, bathe your pets often, and wipe down delivery boxes when you bring them in. It is also important to avoid touch your mouth, nose, and eyes after touching these things. Great cleaning practices can go a long way in reducing your exposure to allergens.
Allergy Doctor in Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Plainfield, IL
The board-certified allergy doctors at Oak Brook Allergists can help you better manage your seasonal allergies, so you can look forward to the summer months. We offer a personalised treatment program, individualized recommendations, a compassionate approach, and a dedication to helping you achieve lasting relief from your summer allergies! To schedule an appointment with one of our allergy doctors, call our office today at (630) 574-0460 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
