Preventing Exposure to Pollen
The most common allergy is the allergy to pollen. So many people suffer from pollen allergies that there are whole pharmaceutical companies devoted to producing medications to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Taking a medication for your allergy symptoms might seem like an easy way to avoid those itchy eyes and runny noses but many medications have their own set of side effects. Blood pressure issues and drug interactions are common side effects with even the most modern of allergy medications. Avoiding pollen exposure is always an option if you would like to treat your allergy problems without taking medications.
To avoid pollen, you will have to spend at least some of your time in your home. Close the windows and doors and turn on that air conditioner to minimize pollen entering your home. Remember that your clothing and pets can carry pollen into the house.
If you allow your pets inside your house, keep them out of the bedroom and off of your pillows to minimize contact with the pollen that they might carry on their fur. Washing pets before bringing them inside is an excellent way to limit the pollen that they harbor. If you are thinking of purchasing a pet and you have pollen allergies, choose a dog or cat with short hair to make your job of limiting pollen exposure a little easier.
If you do have to spend time outside during pollen season, wear protective clothing. Sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts can keep the pollen out of your eyes and off of your skin. Since pollen allergies can sometimes involve skin issues like hives and eczema, covering your skin is an essential part of reducing pollen exposure.
Wearing a mask can also help with limiting the pollen that you breathe. Masks are inexpensive and disposable and can be found in most drug stores. If possible, try to stay inside your home during at least the early morning hours of the day. Pollen counts are generally highest during the early morning and fall during the afternoon. Windy days are also tough on hay fever sufferers, so stay inside if the wind is blowing.
Limiting yard work by hiring someone to mow your lawn and rake your yard is another option for reducing your exposure to pollen. If you must work outside, try to avoid those days when the pollen count is extremely high. Avoid drying your clothing on an outside line when pollen season approaches because that pollen will land on your clothes.
Change the filters in your air conditioner and heater during pollen season so that your inside air is as clean as possible. If possible, undress in your garage before entering the house to keep the pollen on your clothing outside of the house. Avoiding all pollen exposure during pollen season is probably not possible but limiting the time spent outside will definitely help to relieve your pollen allergy symptoms.
Recommended Pollen Allergy Treatments
