Spring Cleaning Your Sinuses: How to Manage Springtime Allergies

Spring is arriving in full force here in New Orleans—bringing warmer temperatures and the beauty of blooming flowers after the cold winter months. While many eagerly anticipate the season's charm, it’s not all sunshine and butterflies, especially for those who struggle with allergies.

For many of us who suffer from seasonal allergies, springtime often means heightened allergy symptoms. Common symptoms like frequent sneezing, runny nose, throat irritation, and headaches can make it difficult to enjoy the warm days on the horizon.

Allergies, including those that occur seasonally, happen when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a supposedly harmless substance as a threat. The immune system reacts by releasing a chemical called histamine. This overreaction results in symptoms like frequent sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, irritated throat, and fatigue.

As we welcome the spring season, it’s important to know how you can manage your allergies so they don’t ruin the rest of the season for you.

Learn to Manage Springtime Allergies

Always monitor allergen counts

Make a healthy habit of always monitoring allergen counts for the day. This is especially important if you have a long history of allergies during the spring season. Knowing allergen levels can help you anticipate how your allergies will act up so you can manage them better.

Common spring allergies include pollen and mold. So make sure to keep an eye out for them before you start your day. Luckily, tools like pollen.com, the Weather Channel, and Asthma and Allergy Forecast can help you monitor allergen levels in your local area.

Keep doors and windows closed

Pollen, mold spores, and other airborne irritants can travel for miles via the strong spring breeze. While it is tempting to let the fresh air into your home, you will want to keep your doors and windows tightly closed, especially during windy days and days with high allergen counts. This will prevent any airborne allergens from freely circulating in your home.

Instead, you should run your home’s HVAC system. Make sure you use high-quality HEPA filters to keep out allergens, irritants, and contaminants that can worsen your allergies.

Try to limit your time outdoors

When allergen counts are especially high for the day, it would do you and your allergies good to stay home. Limit your time outdoors and schedule outdoor activities accordingly.

Immediately get out of your outdoor clothes and into the shower when you get home

Of course, not everyone has the luxury to choose to stay indoors during peak allergy season. If you need to head out, use protective clothing like hats, jackets, and scarves. Don’t forget to mask up as well to minimize your exposure to springtime allergens.

Additionally, immediately strip off your outdoor clothes, get them in the washer, and get yourself in the shower to wash off all allergens you might have picked up during your time outdoors. This will prevent the spreading of allergens into your home.

Hydration is key

It is of utmost importance to keep yourself hydrated during peak allergy season. Make sure you drink plenty of water. This will help thin mucus and promote proper mucus membrane function. Proper hydration will keep your sinus linings moisturized, preventing mucus buildup and nasal congestion.

Invest in an indoor air purifier

An indoor air purifier will get rid of allergens and irritants in your home’s indoor air. Choose one that uses a high-quality HEPA filter. Additionally, clean and change the filters as needed to maintain good quality indoor air.

Keep your home and pets clean

Keeping your home clean is a simple yet effective way to keep your allergies at bay during the springtime season. Regularly vacuum and dust around your home. Change and wash bedding regularly. Additionally, keep your pets clean. Regularly groom them to minimize pet dander in your home. If they spend time outdoors, make sure to clean them up before letting them back in. This will remove allergens they might have picked up from their time outdoors.

Try a sinus rinse

Sinus rinses go a long way in keeping your sinuses healthy. Sinus rinses break down mucus buildup, wash away irritants in your nasal cavities, and soothe irritated sinuses.

Start your allergy meds early

If you have allergy medications, you can start them two to four weeks before allergy season starts. This helps boost your immune system so it responds better to allergy triggers. Make sure you take them on days with high allergen counts.

Consult with your doctor

Allergies can be difficult to manage and without proper treatment, they can quickly and negatively impact your quality of life. If none of the management tips above work or if your allergy meds no longer work for you, do not hesitate to consult with your doctor.

At ENT & Allergy of New Orleans, we are deeply committed to providing allergy relief for our patients so they breathe better and enjoy the spring season without fear of their allergies. Schedule a consultation with our team today and start your journey towards better and more comfortable breathing!

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