How To Get Ahead of Allergy Season

While some parts of the US still have snow on the ground, others are experiencing a rapid warm-up. Once trees start to show signs of new green growth, you may also notice an uptick in sneezing, itchy eyes, or a tickle in the back of your throat from the pollen in the air. Seasonal allergies affect millions of people every year, but there are a few tricks to mitigate congestion and a runny nose.

View the National Allergy Map on pollen.com. It's updated daily.

March Allergy Season

March signals the start of allergy season in many parts of the US. Pollen can trigger congestion, and scientists say that allergies are getting worse; you are not imagining things. The American Lung Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges suggest that warmer temperatures cause plants to bloom earlier and produce pollen for longer than in previous decades.

Start Treatment Before You Have Symptoms

Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend starting over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec Allergy, Allegra Allergy and Claritin or Alavert every day before you start to have symptoms. If you wait until you start feeling sick, you’ll be playing catch-up.

Use a saline nasal spray to keep your sinuses clear. You can use this every day. However, fast-acting decongestant sprays like Afrin should only be used for three days because your nose can become dependent.

Benadryl can also help, but it will make you feel sleepy. Also, recent studies indicate that it’s not too good for your brain to use in the long-term. Overuse can increase your risk of dementia, according to Scientific American.

Keep Your House Clean

What blows around outside also comes inside your house from your clothes, hats, and shoes. Here’s what you can do. Shower before bed. Pollen and other allergens are sticky and can stick to your clothes, hair, and body. Washing off before you to go bed can keep you bed pollen-free.

As much as I love a breeze in the house, experts recommend keeping the windows closed and using air filters if your allergies are severe.

Find Out What You’re Allergic To

Allergy season comes in three waves: tree pollen from late winter to spring, grass pollen from late spring to summer, and weed pollen from late summer to fall. If you notice that you have symptoms at the same time each year, you can figure out what ails you by process of elimination.

You can also get allergy testing done from an allergist to pinpoint exactly what you're allergic to. In severe cases, your doctors may recommend allergy shots.

Getting ahead of allergy season can help you enjoy the outdoors without feeling miserable.