Get Ready for Hay-Fever Season

• Posted on: Apr 15 2019
• By: The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas

Spring is an amazing time of year. The flowers are starting to bloom, and leaves on trees are growing and bright green. But for those of us who suffer from hayfever, spring can be a difficult time of year to get through. When everyone else is happily exercising outside or working in the yard, you’re trapped inside with itchy eyes and a runny nose.

It doesn’t just stop there. Other symptoms of hay fever can include:
● sneezing and coughing
● temporary loss of smell
● headaches
● earaches
● a stuffy nose
● itchy, red and/or watery eyes
● itchy throat, mouth, nose and/or ears

Many people find that hay fever symptoms can be subdued with a combination of allergy medications and lifestyle adjustments. You may need to try a few before finding what works best for your specific allergies.

Medications for hay fever include nasal corticosteroids, which help prevent and treat nasal inflammation, nasal itching and runny nose and antihistamines to help with itching, sneezing, and runny nose. There are other medications you may try, but those are the most commonly suggested ones.

You may want to try adjusting your daily habits: your hay fever may be affected. Some people may actually get fewer hay fever symptoms by tweaking some simple things at home and making some smart changes. Essentially, you can reduce your symptoms by limiting your exposure to your triggers. If you know what you’re allergic to, you can plan ahead and try to avoid those triggers.

Try the following to help cut down on allergic reactions:
● Close doors and windows during pollen season.
● Use an allergy-grade filter in a standalone unit or your home’s air system and change it regularly.
● Avoid exercising or working outdoors in the early morning, when pollen counts are highest.
● Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
● Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner that boasts a small-particle or HEPA filter.

If you have hay fever, we may be able to help test for your specific allergies and help you treat your symptoms. Give us a call today at 972.984.1050 to learn more.

Posted in: Allergies