Four Quick Ways to Tame Your Allergies!

The onset of beautiful spring weather is disappointingly yet consistently accompanied by allergy season. We are all too familiar with the dreaded symptoms- itchy eyes, a constantly runny nose, sinus headaches- and sometimes they can become difficult to manage. Should you visit a doctor for allergy shots, or should you go to the drugstore for some over-the-counter antihistamines? While I am not able to diagnose your symptoms or prescribe medication, I can give you a couple of tips that are easy to implement and will help you get through the tough allergy season.
 
1) Shower before you go to sleep.

Washing your hair and body before putting on your pajamas can be crucial to a good night’s sleep during the upcoming months. If you don’t get rid of all of the pollen that has accumulated in your hair and on your skin during the day, it may cause allergy flare-ups while you’re sleeping. Even when you’re inside, you can’t escape the pollen! While washing your hair in the morning is probably a part of your established routine, it is worth the change to start washing it at night.
 
2) Don’t reuse the same clothing.

If you’ve worn it outside, don’t wear it again. By re-wearing your seemingly clean shirt, you are only re-exposing yourself to the harmful pollen particles, which can make your allergies worse. I know that it is nearing the end of the semester and you probably have very little time for laundry, but washing your clothes before wearing them again is crucial to fighting off pollen.
 
3) Educate yourself about pollen.

Did you know that pollen is emitted most between the hours of 5 and 10 AM? Neither did I, until I did a little research. Pollen.com provides allergy forecasts for anywhere in the United States, so you can plan to avoid long days outside when a really high pollen count is predicted. If you have to be outside, make sure you’re medicated with an over-the-counter antihistamine (Zyrtec, Claritin) and if possible, stick by the beach- pollen count decreases the closer you get to the ocean.
 
4) Do a spring cleaning!

What applies to your body and your clothes also applies to your surroundings; pollen accumulates EVERYWHERE and it important to be meticulous about cleaning during the spring season. Luckily, spring is also the classic time for a clean sweep of your room or dorm, so while you’re throwing out old tests and packing up clothes for Goodwill, get out your Swiffer and cleaning wipes and go to work!
 
Just remember- if your symptoms start getting really bad, don’t waste time blowing your nose. Go see a doctor and get allergy tested! Your summer clothes will look a heck of a whole lot better if your nose doesn’t match the color of your bright red bikini.