Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, cause unpleasant symptoms. The trigger is pollen, which is in abundance during the spring. According to the Mayo Clinic, reducing your exposure to allergens can help prevent the misery of sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Here are some suggestions: Start taking your prescribed or over-the-counter allergy medication before your seasonal symptoms ramp up. Check weather reports for pollen levels and stay inside air-conditioned buildings as needed, especially on dry, windy days.
Note that after a good rain, there is the least amount of pollen in the air. Have others mow and weed the yard. Grass that has gone to seed produces pollen, too. Use a clothes dryer instead of hanging laundry outside, where your clothes and bedsheets can get covered with pollen.
Pollen can also be a trigger for asthma flare-ups, which can include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing or wheezing. The American Lung Association states that while there is no cure for asthma, management and treatment help those with the chronic disease lead a normal, healthy life.
Knowing what triggers your asthma attacks will help you avoid those unpleasant episodes. Common triggers for asthma, in addition to pollen, are smoke, animals, mold, strong odors and exertion. See the American Lung Association website for more tips on managing asthma symptoms.
For both seasonal allergies and asthma, discuss with your healthcare provider solutions to reduce and avoid triggers that jeopardize your health.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
