Exposure to allergens is nearly unavoidable. When we step outside, we are hit with pollen, grasses, trees, and other triggers that are present in the air. At Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, we recommend taking several steps to safeguard yourself from bringing the allergens home with you.
A pollen storm has been sweeping across the entire nation. Spring flowers and branches flourish at this time of the year, increasing the amount of pollen and other allergens in the air. As the years go by and the climates change, it is even possible that pollen counts could increase each year.
With that said, our board-certified Atlanta allergists would like to recommend the following tips to help relieve the allergies and avoid bringing the pollen home.
1. Shower and wash your hair.
After a long day out, you may not be aware that pollen and other allergies have clung to your skin, clothes, and even your hair. Taking a shower and washing your hair can strip your body of all of the allergens. When your head hits the pillow later on that evening as you fall asleep, not only can you feel fresher while you sleep, you won’t be spreading the pollen around your sheets, which can certainly cause a reaction.
2. Think about purchasing an air purifier.
It may be a worthwhile investment. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) purifiers are some of the best on the market. They have been touted as being able to trap about 99% of allergens in the air.
3. Vaseline can help keep pollen away.
One trick that may help is to place a thin layer of Vaseline around your nostrils. Pollen can cling to these areas rather than entering into the nose when you inhale.
4. Pay attention to pollen counts.
If you are planning to be outside that day, you can always check the pollen count for the day on our home page. Certain times of the day, such as the early morning or right as the sun sets in the evening, tend to be worse for allergy sufferers. Try to learn what affects your body most.
5. Drink water.
Staying hydrated is an age-old recommendation that you may have heard time and time again. Have a cold? Drink water! Are you feeling sleepy or lethargic? Drink water! But there is good reason for this. Water is nourishing and has the ability to flush our bodies of all sorts of toxins. When you have allergies and your histamine levels are high, this can be rough on a body that is dehydrated. That is why sipping water throughout the day is so vital to your health if you are an allergy sufferer.
Want more tips or would you like to schedule an appointment with our allergy specialists? Contact the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today! We look forward to hearing from you.