5 Tips for Managing Spring Allergies

Spring is in the air, and while spring brings beautiful flowers, warm breezes, and more daylight, it also brings seasonal allergies. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans who suffer from springtime allergies 一 such as sneezing or itchy, watery eyes 一 you might not be so pleased to say hello to this season. And if your spring allergies trigger asthma attacks, you might be even more inclined to manage pesky allergies. 

Timothy Scott Beck, MD, and his team at Life Point Medical want you to know that you don’t have to put up with your allergies forever. We encourage you to visit our Clayton, Georgia, office if you need help managing spring allergies.

In the meantime, our team has curated this list of the top five tips for managing spring allergies. 

1. Avoid your springtime triggers

While it’s not always easy to avoid spring allergy triggers, such as grass and pollen, you may find that reducing your exposure can help reduce some of your allergy symptoms. 

Reduce your exposure to your seasonal allergies by:

• Monitoring the daily air quality rating and pollen counts and staying indoors on high pollen days 
• Keep your windows closed to prevent grass or pollen from entering through open windows
• Avoiding landscaping if possible (tip: switch chores with another family member or outsource this task)
• Keeping your car windows shut on high pollen days

Not sure which allergens bother you the most? An allergy test can provide valuable information, including which seasonal allergies cause your symptoms. In addition to avoiding your triggers, you may find additional relief with the next four tips.

2. Take your allergy medication on time

Taking your allergy medication as directed is one of the best ways to manage your symptoms. Resist the temptation to skip a dose even if you feel good. Taking your medication routinely can help you avoid the misery of itchy eyes or sneeze attacks. 

Not sure what is the best time to take your allergy medication? Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Beck any questions regarding your medication dosage or timing.

3. Prioritize your indoor air quality

Here in Georgia, we have no shortage of trees, and they all 一 hickory, oak, walnut, maple, and ash 一 can contribute to sneezing, congestion, headaches, and itchy eyes. But just because you have outdoor seasonal allergies doesn’t mean you should overlook the inside of our house. Keeping your indoor air quality as pure as possible can help reduce your allergy symptoms. 

Keep these tips in mind: 

• Invest in a high-quality vacuum with a good filter
• Vacuum regularly
• Place an air purifier on each floor of your home or use an all-house air purifier 
• Vacuum your window screens to remove pollen

Even if you’re not ready to add a whole-house filter to your HVAC system, individual air purifiers can still provide many benefits, according to a review in the Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. At a minimum, place an air purifier in your bedroom. 

4. Stop tracking allergens into your home

Spring allergens, like pollen and grass, can sneak into your home on the bottoms of your shoes and even on your dog’s paws. To limit how many grass or pollen spores are tracked into your home, take your shoes off before you come inside. Wipe your feet on a doormat and leave your shoes at the threshold. When your dog comes back inside after a walk, wipe down their paws and coat with pet-safe grooming wipes. 

5. Consider smoking cessation

Smoking can exacerbate your allergy symptoms, and if you also have asthma, it can trigger asthma attacks. Smoking cessation programs can help you quit when you’re ready.

Manage your allergies with immunotherapy

Here at Life Point Medical, it’s our mission to help improve your quality of life, and that includes relief from your spring allergies. That’s why we proudly offer a variety of allergy services, including immunotherapy to help you manage your allergies … for good. 

Immunotherapy is a customized treatment that safely and gradually exposes you to your allergens. Over time, your immune system becomes less and less sensitive to your specific triggers. 

As an immunotherapy specialist, Dr. Beck is experienced at helping those with spring allergies get the relief they need. If you’d like to learn more about allergy testing or immunotherapy, call our office at 706-607-6685 today. You can also request an appointment online.