10 tips to tame your spring allergies

by Brittany Anas · March 26, 2013

By Brittany Anas

Exit flu season. Enter spring allergies.

As trees bud in the spring, billions of free-roaming pollen particles are triggering allergies — with no-fun symptoms that include sneezing, congestion, itchy throats and eyes. In fact, roughly 8 percent of Americans get hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis). For some, allergies can cause severe asthma attacks.

Don’t fear. You don’t have to go into hibernation as spring comes into full bloom.

Here are some ways you can reduce your allergy symptoms:

Sign up for e-mail alerts from the National Allergy Bureau, which can give you specific allergen counts for your city on any given day. Peak pollen times usually are in the morning and again at dusk. The information on the site can help you decide whether you want to limit your time outside and if you need to take allergy medication.
Assemble an allergy kit with eye drops, decongestants, nasal sprays, antihistamines, and moisturizing lotion to soothe itchy skin. Avoid an allergy attack by taking an antihistamine 30 minutes prior to going outside. (Get coupons and cash-back offers at Walgreens).
Spring clean and make sure you dust your home thoroughly. Remember nooks and crannies, ceiling fans, blinds and the tip-top of your shelves.
Detail your car, using wipes to get the dust off your dashboard. Otherwise, it will blow around your car taunting you when you turn on vents.
Shower when you come back inside on a high-pollen day. Your body and hair are covered in allergens that you track into your home. Avoid getting into bed until you have rinsed off. Allergens tend to cling to furniture and your bedding.
Wash your bedding weekly.
Close the windows to your house on high pollen days. Avoid the temptation to leave your windows open for a cool spring breeze because you’ll be inviting in pollen.
Vacuum a couple of times a week and wear a mask to protect yourself from rogue allergens get kicked up into the air.
Buy an air purifier to clear out pollen, pet dander and dust.
Rinse your dog. Your pet could also be carrying about pollen.