With snow still a fresh memory in some parts of the country, blooming trees and fresh-cut grass can feel a long way off. But for those who struggle with seasonal allergies, now is the time to prepare.
Allergy season starts in March in many parts of the United States. When the weather warms, trees bud and release pollen that can trigger congestion, a sore throat or itchy eyes for millions of Americans. Studies suggest that pollen seasons are getting longer and worse in the warming climate.
If you’re one of these seasonal sufferers, there are steps that you can take now to help ward off the worst symptoms.
“If you just wait for your symptoms to get really bad, you’re going to be miserable for longer,” said Dr. Payel Gupta, an allergist and immunologist on the medical advisory council for the Allergy & Asthma Network. “The more prepared you are, the better it is.”
Figure out your personal allergy season.
Pollen season in the United States comes in three waves: tree pollen from late winter to spring, grass pollen from late spring through summer and weed pollen from late summer through fall. Each region has its own mix of pollen-producing plants and seasonal start times. Identifying what you’re allergic to, and when it spreads, can help you plan ahead.
“Knowing when your individual season really picks up and reaches its peak is important for thinking about when your medications might be most effective,” said Dr. Jeffrey Chambliss, a pediatric allergist at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
You can get a good sense of what you’re allergic to based on when your symptoms are most intense. If you typically get congested soon after the snow melts, the culprit is most likely a tree pollen. If it ramps up closer to Mother’s Day, think grass pollen. Allergy testing can also pinpoint your specific triggers.
You can then use resources such as the National Allergy Bureau or Pollen.com to find allergy forecasts or local pollen counts.
Start taking some medications early.
You can start taking oral antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) around two to four weeks before your pollen season begins, said Dr. Michele Pham, an allergist and immunologist at UCSF Health. This can help block a chemical in your body called histamine from triggering itching, sneezing and congestion.
“Once patients start having symptoms, it’s like playing catch-up,” she said.
Use second-generation antihistamines such as Claritin, cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra) when possible. The first-generation versions, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), make you drowsy and have more side effects.
You should also begin using nasal sprays such as fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex) about two weeks ahead of time, doctors said, as it takes time for them to take full effect.
Doctors cautioned against taking decongestants such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) early, because you should use them for only a few days at a time. Using them longer than that can make symptoms worse; pseudoephedrine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Now is also a good time to check in with your primary care provider or allergist to formulate a plan and fill prescriptions.
Prepare your home.
To prevent pollen from wafting into your home, keep your windows closed starting a week or two before allergy season.
Take a look at the appliances that affect indoor air quality, like air-conditioners and purifiers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning or replacing your air-conditioner or HVAC filters. If you’re unsure, check the filters every month or two they’re in use.
For air purifiers, the rule of thumb is to replace HEPA filters every six to 12 months and carbon filters every three to six months.
Some doctors suggested creating a designated space for your coats, hats and shoes that will soon be coated in pollen, keeping them away from areas of the house where you spend a lot of time.
Stock up on supplies you’ll need, including masks, saline sprays that can help flush out allergens, or medications including antihistamines.
That way, “if you encounter something or you’re having a bad day, you don’t need to search too far to get something that’s going to provide you relief,” said Dr. Neal Godse, a nose and sinus specialist at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Take care of your overall health.
For people with asthma, springtime allergens can inflame airways and exacerbate wheezing and shortness of breath. Having the condition under control beforehand will help mitigate those effects. Once allergy season begins, consider using your inhaler before you go outside.
Keep your skin moisturized, which will create a protective barrier that is harder for allergens to breach.
And remember that many of the habits that are good for general health — exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated — can also help you prepare, partly by reducing general inflammation. Then, when allergens stress your immune system, you’ll be in a better position, said Dr. Catherine Monteleone, director of allergy and immunology at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
“If you’re really tired or really stressed, you’re going to feel everything more,” she said.
The post Allergy Season is Coming. These 4 Steps Can Help You Prepare. appeared first on New York Times.
