Seasonal Allergies and How To Cope

Spring is in the air!  But, um . . . so is the pollen.  I am not a big sufferer of spring or fall allergies but I live with those who are.  I feel your pain,  This one is for you.

You can reach for the pill bottles and for some, their allergies are so severe, it is the only remedy that helps.  Those pills can dry you out though or make you unbearably sleepy and may not even work completely.

Drug-Free Solutions to Seasonal Allergies

For those who suffer more of the mild reactions to seasonal allergies and who do not want the pills as well as for severe sufferers who have to take the pills and need even more help, here are some habits to create that may help lessen the pollen impact and help put back your pep in your step:




Watch the counts.  High pollen counts really exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Consider bookmarking this site that forecasts pollen counts in your area and watch the weather channel for updates.  Stay inside during pollen peak times like early morning and late afternoon hours.

Take spring cleaning seriously.  Keeping your home clean is a great way to keep the pollen at bay.  But, you may be able to get out of the dirty deed this time of year.  Dusting up that pollen while cleaning can really aggravate your situation. Ever so politely ask a non-allergen sufferer in your home to take pity and wipe down surfaces daily to clear the pollen away.  Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens as well.  Wash your sheets (especially change pillowcases) and towels frequently, too.

Vacuum your dog.  Yes, I do this, and please do not report me to PETA because she loves it!  The point here is that pollen attaches to everything that has been outside.  If you want a snuggle with Rover and he has been outside, you are snuggling with pollen, too.  This goes for you as well.  After being outdoors, shower and change your clothes to help eliminate tracking in allergens.  This is especially important before bed as you want to keep your bed a pollen-free zone!
























Reach for warm spices.  Nothing like a hot bowl of spicy soup to start clearing those nasal passages. Much like when you have a cold, the heat of the spice and the heat of the food temperature work together to clear you up.

Rinse thoroughly.  Clear your nose of all traces of pollen. The netipots are fine to achieve this, but make sure you use sterilized water.  The cans of sanitized saline are easier though and a little less messy.  Do this at least once a day but especially after being outside.

Channel Michael Koors.  Only Project Runway viewers will understand my poking fun at the clothing designer who wears sunglasses all the time - indoors and out.  (How does he see the designs I ask?) But, sunglasses greatly protect your eyes from pollen. So, go ahead and keep 'em on just like Michael. But, outdoors will do though.

Create a mini steam room. Inhaling steam is great way to relieve nasal congestion. The shower can do this but if you do not want to take a full shower, boil some water and pour it into a large bowl. Place the bowl in front of you and drape a large towel over you and the bowl and inhale. Even better, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to open those passages even more. Or add a few drops to the shower floor and let it get good and steamy in there for the same effect.

Consider ancient ways.  Acupuncture may offer some relief to people who have allergies. Some studies indicate this needs further research, but my acupuncturist claims success with many.

Clear the air.  Installing special air filters in your furnace and air conditioning systems can remove 90 - 95 percent of particles from your indoor air. If that is too expensive or you rent, there are also portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to purify the air in bedrooms and other spaces you spend the most time. Another tip: shut the windows and doors during high pollen count periods, too.


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