Fight Spring Allergies with These Tips

Spring has officially sprung, and North Texas is heating up quickly! The unlimited sunshine entices most to venture outside and enjoy the warm weather. Yet, a lot of people are held back from crippling allergies as the Texas trees begin to bud out.  

Throughout North Texas specifically, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recently reported a ‘moderately high’ to ‘high concentration’ of pollen from grass and tree sources through the National Allergy Bureau’s (NAB) North Texas Pollen Station located in Flower Mound, Texas.  

Spring is the perfect time for cleaning, yard work and outdoor activities, and there are a few ways to minimize moderate allergy symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

First, make sure to keep pollen counts for your area in mind by checking the Internet, the NAB, or mobile weather applications for current pollen levels.  

If the pollen forecast displays high pollen counts, experts recommend taking these steps: take your allergy medication (over-the-counter options include oral antihistamines and decongestants) before your symptoms start that day, avoid outdoor activities in the early mornings because this is when pollen most intense, close windows at night and in the morning to avoid irritating allergens from accumulating in your home, try to stay indoors on windy days, and keep the air in your home clean by using air conditioning with high-efficiency filters or by purchasing a dehumidifier. 

If you are unable to enjoy sun-enriched outdoor activities due to chronic and severe watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, or headaches, no matter which remedies you try, you may want to see your doctor or an allergy specialist.  

Doctors recommend visiting allergists because they are trained to be experts in their field. Allergists can test individuals for specific allergens and target specific symptoms. Not only are they specially trained to administer better treatment options than the more readily available medicines, but they are also regularly learning the most advanced techniques, all of which are proven to provide you with relief. 

Along with the flowers and trees, seasonal allergies are in full bloom, affecting millions of people nationwide. While symptoms can be miserable, all hope is certainly not lost for your spring to-do list. 

Consult an allergy and immunology physician at Baylor Scott & White Health, Plano if you suffer from severe allergies, and get back to fully enjoying the sun’s bright rays!