What Are Some Common Spring Allergens?
Before getting into how to treat allergies, it’s important that you know what triggers them. An allergen can be almost any substance that invokes an unusual immune response in which the body fends off a perceived yet harmless threat. Pollen, for example, is a type of allergen that is constantly released into the air by trees and plants as powdery particles, making it easily inhalable.
There are all kinds of different allergens, however, and each of them affects everyone in different ways. One person may be allergic to pollen, but dust has no effect on them and vice versa. Here is a small list of allergens that you should be aware of:
• Mold Spores
• Dust
• Dirt
• Pet Dander
• Grass
• Flowers
Ways to Prevent Allergies
There are various ways to treat springtime allergies, but it’s important to diagnose them first. Seasonal allergies, like those that occur in spring, are extremely self-evident and usually don’t require a trip to a physician.
In fact, most allergy symptoms are just simple itching, sneezing, a mild rash and watery eyes. However, if the symptoms aren’t going away, even if you had treatment, you’ll need to have your doctor check for any other causes.
Steps you can take to prevent allergies include:
Keeping an eye on the pollen count
When spring starts to bloom, so does the copious amounts of pollen. Be sure to check your weather forecast or the National Allergy Bureau to find out the pollen count.
Staying indoors
If the pollen count in your area is high, stay inside your house and make sure to close the windows so it doesn’t blow inside.
Changing your air filter
HEPA air filters are designed to capture all of the airborne allergens like dust and pollen. However, air filters don’t last forever, so you’ll have to change them regularly.
Dusting and vacuuming regularly
Even though air filters do most of the job, there are a few pesky particles that remain in the air. Using a “pet-friendly” vacuum will finish the job by sucking up the remaining particles and dander.
Dealing with allergies isn’t always easy, but there are ways to keep symptoms to a minimum. Nip your allergies in the bud before they have a chance to spring into action.
Do you have more questions about your family’s allergies? Talk to staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
