With spring knocking on the door, come the pollen from the blooming trees, grass and flowers, which causes mild to severe problems from those suffering from hay fever. Hay fever is probably the most common types of allergy in the US, with nearly 35 million people suffering from it. In the US, the pollen season starts from March and ends in September, and the most common allergy trigger – the grass pollen season is from mid May to July.
So, here are some tips on preventing or reducing hay fever symptoms:
First of all, it is common sense that people suffering from severe hay fever should avoid going outside and exposing themselves to the pollen or mold, especially when the pollen and mold levels are high. This means following the pollen forecasts, and choosing to go out when it is raining or wet and the pollen has been washed down to the ground.
When driving or riding in a car, the windows should be closed, and the same goes for the windows at home. Getting allergy grade filters for the air conditioning and furnace at home, as well as an active pollen filter for the car is also advisable for the hay fever season.
People suffering from hay fever should avoid mowing lawns and raking leaves as well. Wearing wrap-around eyeglasses also helps minimizing the exposure of the eyes to the allergens, and thus the itching, redness and swelling of the eyes. Avoid hanging washed sheets and clothes outside, because the pollen will stick to the fabric.
Wash your hair and keep clothes you have worn outside in another room, in order to limit the pollen which is probably stuck to the fabric and your hair.
Eating fast food is known to increase the severity of hay fever symptoms in children, so here’s just another reason for limiting your kids’ consumption of fast food products. If you have been prescribed hay fever medication, it is advisable to start taking it right before the pollen season starts, so that the body produces enough histamines to prepare itself for the actual exposure to pollens, and reduce the symptoms.
Acupuncture is known to be very effective in treating hay fever symptoms and relieving them as well.
Certain fruits, nuts and vegetables can actually worsen hay fever symptoms, because many of the people suffering from hay fever also have oral allergy syndrome which can be caused by a wide variety of different pollen contained in different plants most commonly bananas and strawberries.