Ahhh… with the warmer weather of spring also comes spring allergy season. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), spring allergy symptoms could come earlier and hit harder this year. Here’s what to expect and 4 tips on how you can do more than just suffer through this year’s allergy season.
Here in Rhode Island, it’s usually around mid to late April when allergy season is at its peak. Trees—primarily maple, birch, and oak—release their pollen all the way through June. Grasses also start releasing pollen typically in May and June, which intensifies the season.
#1 – Don’t wait until you’re miserable
Being proactive about your health is always a good idea. Don’t wait until you’re feeling miserable to make an appointment with your allergist. Our allergy specialists here at AAPRI are available to help you get tested, get treated, and get better. We’re proud to be the only practice in Rhode Island that offers sublingual allergy drops, a form of allergy immunotherapy that can be very effective at getting rid of seasonal allergy symptoms by targeting the root cause. According to Dr. Z, the biggest misconception people have about allergies is that they just have to suffer with them.
#2 – Know what triggers your allergy symptoms
Not everyone is allergic to the same seasonal allergy triggers, which is why it’s important for you to know what your triggers are and how to either avoid them or treat them properly. This is yet another good reason to make an appointment to pinpoint when your symptoms might begin and what exactly you’re allergic to.
Monitoring air quality and pollen counts can help you avoid being outside when pollen is particularly high (see “There’s an app for that!” section below for some suggestions on apps to use). When in the car, you can set your vent system on recirculate, and at home, consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
#3 – Be careful about inviting the outdoors into your home
As tempting as it may be to fling open your windows and fill your home with fresh spring air, if you’re allergic to pollen, you’re better off keeping the windows closed. Breezes can bring in unwanted pollen and make your symptoms worse. You may also notice your symptoms are worse on dry, sunny days vs. wet, cloudy days. This is because it’s easier for pollen to blow around when it’s dry outside.
#4 – Let technology be your friend
When it comes to getting the upper hand on your seasonal allergies, let technology be your friend. We put together a listing of free allergy apps and websites to help you monitor things like air quality, pollen counts, and more.
Contact us today!
Find out how we can help you treat the cause and defeat your allergy symptoms for good. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners today at one of our three convenient office locations!
