CLEVELAND — Let's face it: Some of you have already felt these symptoms just because our winter has been so mild with numerous up-and-down temperature swings. We never really seemed to get out of allergy season this year. So here's why allergies happen.
According to Mayo Clinic, an allergy occurs when "your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people."
The Mayo Clinic recommends the following in order to help yourself:
How to reduce allergy triggers
- Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air
- Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens
- Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair
- Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels
- Wear a face mask if you do outside chores."
Steps to reduce exposure when pollen counts are high
- Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels
- If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start
- Close doors and windows at night if possible or any other time when pollen counts are high
- Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest."
Keeping your home clean
- Use air conditioning in your house and car
- If you have forced air heating or air conditioning in your house, use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules
- Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier
- Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom
- Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter"
Additionally, there are tons of nonprescription medications you can buy at your local pharmacy that can help ease your allergy symptoms. Talk to your doctor/and or pharmacist to see what works best for you.
Even though it can feel pretty lousy here in NE Ohio during the annoying allergy season, at least we're not in Wichita, Kansas, which is currently the number one city for pollen according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
