As allergy season approaches, you may be dreading the sneezing, stuffy head, and runny nose that always comes with it. The seasonal increase of both pollen and mold around you triggers your immune system every time.
One allergen that is notorious in our region is mountain cedar – which is actually Ashe juniper – causing “cedar fever.” The allergic reactions comprising cedar fever are similar to those of traditional hay fever: watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, and fatigue. Fortunately, it does not cause a true fever, although the reactions can cause the patient’s body temperature to rise slightly and temporarily.
With this in mind, it is easier to prepare now for allergy season so you can reduce or eliminate the symptoms when the season enters – rather than suffering through it like you always have. Let’s talk about what you can do to help alleviate your suffering and quell your seasonal allergy symptoms.
Steps to Get Ready for Allergy Season
There are several proactive ways in which you can get ahead of allergy season this time around, including the following:
Clean Your House Early
One of the things that can worsen your allergies is the presence of dust and debris around your home. With this in mind, it is essential to conduct your spring cleaning well before allergy season begins.
Performing a deep spring cleaning of your house involves dusting all of your furniture, vacuuming your floors, washing or vacuuming the curtains, cleaning the walls, and sweeping or washing the rugs. These actions will ensure that you make the indoor environment of your home as clean and pristine as possible.
Tip: Although it smells great to keep your windows open during the spring and summer, it’s best to keep your windows and doors closed during allergy season. Open the blinds so you can enjoy the brighter and longer days, but your lungs and nasal passages will thank you for keeping the windows shut.
Immunotherapy
One of the best and most effective ways to address seasonal allergies is through immunotherapy, or allergy shots. This treatment will expose your body to small amounts of the offending allergens through injections, so your immune system will be ready to adapt to the allergens in the air.
Change Your Air Filter
You may think that pollen is mostly found outdoors. However, it is a big help if you change the filters of your cooling and heating system regularly. This will help to ensure that the air inside of your house is clean and allergy-free.
Keep Your Body and Clothes Clean
Be sure to take a shower and change your clothes after cleaning the house and also after you’ve been outside for a while. Pollen can stick to both your clothes and hair, thus making it easier to spread throughout your clean home. Throw those clothes straight into the washing machine, don’t even allow them to sit in the hamper.
Invest in an Air Purifier
If you do not have an air purifier in your bedroom, it is a good idea to consider getting one. You may be surprised at how much better you sleep during allergy season – not to mention how much fresher the room smells!
Today’s air purifiers are built to attract pollutants in the air, such as skin dander (from both pets and people), pollen, and dust. This can help you breathe much better while you sleep, so you wake up refreshed and energized in the mornings.
Your Allergy Management Health Professionals
If you’re looking for a natural way to beat allergy season, come and visit our medical providers at the Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas. We provide the highest-quality care to individuals in Tarrant County, Parker County, and other surrounding areas.
Rest assured that we have the best professionals who specialize in sleep medicine, allergy treatment, and immunology. If you would like to schedule an appointment, you may reach us at (817) 594-9993. You may also use our online appointment request form to book an appointment. We look forward to helping you thrive this allergy season and enjoy this beautiful spring weather!
