MercyOne Cedar Falls Allergy Care
People don’t have to be told when allergy season arrives – you might be looking for over the counter or prescription medications and reaching for your box of tissues. Here are five tips to manage allergies so you can enjoy life.
Plan ahead
Being aware of your allergies and triggers is a great start.
If you take prescriptions, make sure you have used antihistamines and nasal steroids a week before any known exposure allergens such as pollens or pets. This is important because nasal steroids can take a few days before they work.
Time matters
Life includes a lot of time outdoors no matter the season. During warmer months, the time of day can make a difference.
For outdoor activities, it's smart to avoid late morning when pollen levels are usually higher, especially on windy days. Pollen is released when the conditions are right, like uncut grass. After a couple weeks grass goes to seed. That's where the pollens. When the wind blows, the pollen spreads.
Reduce exposure
It is possible to reduce pollen exposure by actually visualizing them.
You can't see pollens, but by imagining or visualizing where pollens might be, it makes you more mindful of taking action.
Don’t scratch
No matter how hard you try, pollens will find you.
- Try not to rub areas of your body exposed to pollens.
- Use cover- hats, masks and long-sleeve clothing.
- Wash your face in clean water to soothe and rinse particles.
Pollens have spikes on them, so rubbing your itchy eyes will literally scratch them with pollens.
Clean up
The impact of significant pollen exposure can be minimized.
Immediately after pollen exposure, rinse, shower or wash with water areas such as your face and hair.
If nothing is working, consider consulting with your local physicians for possible oral steroids, such as prednisone. When all else fails, a short-term week of oral steroids works fast.
