– Swathy R Iyer
Spring season for those with allergies in the US means bracing for and looking for ways to manage allergies. Especially allergies related to the pollen from trees and weeds.
In 2021, approximately 81 million people in the US were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis or an allergic reaction to pollen from grasses, weeds and trees.
81 million people have pollen allergies
People with pollen allergies develop symptoms when the pollen they are allergic to is in the air.
Pollen in the air
Typical pollen allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose, ears or mouth and red-watery eyes.
Symptoms of pollen allergy
Doctors recommend that those vulnerable to allergies prepare before the allergy season begins. Use a nasal spray 10-15 days prior to the allergy season.
Protect yourself
The best thing to do is to avoid the trigger. Do not go out much during allergy season and keep your windows closed.
Avoid exposure
If you do have to step out, keep the clothes you wore aside and take a shower after you return home. Wearing a mask can also protect you against seasonal allergies.
Mask up
Use a good-quality air purifier in your home and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for your home’s air conditioning and heating systems.
Pollen-free indoors