Spring Allergies: Symptoms and Prevention

If you sneeze and cough during certain times of the year, you may have seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis. Many people suffer from seasonal allergies particularly during spring as plants release pollen to fertilize other plants, as well as due to dust and weather changes.

Symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Dark circles under the eyes

You can keep seasonal allergies under control by following the below simple tips:

• Avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors on dry, windy days.
• Wear a pollen/dust mask if you do gardening or outside chores.
• Keep windows and doors shut at home and in your car during allergy season.
• Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don’t hang clothes and laundry outside as pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Use nonprescription medications such as nasal sprays, decongestants, oral antihistamines, etc. to ease allergy symptoms.
• Rinse your nasal passages with saline solution.
• Use eye drops to relieve itchy, watery eyes.

There are many ways to treat seasonal allergies, depending on how severe the symptoms are. Consult your doctor for available treatments.