Spring into Action: How to Manage Seasonal Allergies

There’s hardly a soul who doesn’t look forward to enjoying the higher temps, sunnier days, and beautiful blooms that spring brings, especially if we’ve made it through a gray, seemingly endless winter. 

However, if you’re affected by seasonal allergies, symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes can quickly put a damper on experiencing the season of renewal.

At Nu Wave Medical Center, Dr. Gurprit Sekhon helps you make the most out of spring — without the decidedly un-fun allergy symptoms.

She goes over any symptoms you may be experiencing as a matter of course when you visit her for your annual wellness exam. Dr. Sekhon believes in having this conversation every year with each patient, since allergies can pop up later in life, too. 

Happy spring! Why do you feel yucky?

Once tree and grass pollens reach their peaks come spring, you might notice you’re feeling poorly and experiencing symptoms like:

• A runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Congestion

In addition to over-the-counter medications like nasal sprays and oral medications, there are steps you can take to curb your symptoms and lessen your misery.

Tips for making it through spring with allergies

We’ve compiled some advice for making your spring as comfortable as possible by heading off allergy symptoms.

1. Keep track of the pollen count and behave accordingly

Fortunately, you can check the pollen count in your area with your smartphone. If you can pinpoint when the air will be most pollen-heavy during the day, make it a point to stay inside during this period.

This is also a good time to take your allergy medication preventively, so that when you do go outside, it’ll be working.

Since pollen levels tend to be highest in the early morning, wait to go outside until later in the day. At night while you sleep, keep your windows closed, if possible, as well.

2. Avoid known allergy triggers

During this season, assign lawnmowing and gardening chores to others in your family, or if you live alone, pay a teen to take care of this work during allergy season. 

If you must take care of some work outside, it helps to wear a mask, and when you’re done, put your clothes in the laundry basket and take a shower to rid your hair and skin of pollen. Pollen sticks to clothing, so use your dryer at this time of year, as well, instead of hanging your clothes out to dry. 

Make an extra effort to stay indoors if the weather is windy and dry, because this stirs up the pollen considerably. You’ll be least bothered by allergy symptoms if you go outside after a rain shower, since rain washes the pollen out of the air for a time. 

3. Make your home as “anti-allergy” as possible

Take advantage of your air conditioning, but make sure that you use high-efficiency filters and replace them when needed. It’s also a good idea to keep a dehumidifier going and use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom. 

Finally, keep your floors spic and span by vacuuming frequently (your vacuum should also be equipped with a HEPA filter).

This can be your best year yet if you take care to steer clear of pollen, prepare your home properly, and find the best allergy medications for getting relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

As always, Dr. Sekhon is ready to help you by offering advice on which medications may be best for you. 

Contact our Panama Beach City office at 850-493-6948 to make an appointment with Dr. Sekhon, or reach out to us through our website.