Spring is here and so is spring allergy season. You can expect a “pollen explosion” this month, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergists predict “a robust pollen season” so people need to have a treatment plan ready.
Tree pollen is the biggest cause of spring allergies. Combine tree pollen with the grass pollen that arrives in a couple of months and more than 50 million allergic Americans are bracing themselves for sneezes and watery eyes.
This doesn’t mean you have to suffer without relief. Over-the-counter allergy remedies may help people with minor symptoms. For those with more severe allergic reactions, Patient First physicians may prescribe stronger treatments.
Allergy symptoms may also be reduced by:
- Closing windows and using the air conditioner to decrease the amount of pollen entering the home
- Minimizing outdoor activity between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. when pollen counts are the highest
- Using pollen-removing air filters and changing them regularly
