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May is Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
It's Time to Take a Spring Break from Your Allergy Symptoms
Spring is in the air. The flowers, plants and trees are a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. However, to 35 million Americans with what are called "seasonal allergies," spring is not so beautiful. It can be a time of itchy eyes, runny noses, scratchy throats and feeling very tired. These symptoms are caused by
, which are at their peak in the spring. Allergens are things that can cause allergic reactions in people. Common allergens include:
- Pollen;
- Dander; and
- Mold.
These allergens are often at their peak in the spring but our reactions to them may not end then. Even as spring allergen levels drop back, new pollens kick up from grasses and flowers. Then the weeds start releasing their summer and fall pollen and this goes on until the heavy frosts of winter return. For people with long-term allergies, it's really a must to see a primary care doctor or allergist. They can help put you on a plan to control your allergies better. Meanwhile, for people with milder seasonal allergies, there are other options:
- You can keep your windows closed even on nice spring days.
- Change the filter in your furnace and run the air conditioner.
- Go out early or later in the day. Pollen counts are usually
highest in late morning and early afternoon. - Try an escape to the beach because beaches have less pollen.
- Locally harvested honey may help with minor allergies.
If none of these options work, you should see an allergist, a doctor whose main focus is allergy care. As you can see, there are ways for people with allergies to enjoy spring. Try following the tips above and you may have fewer problems. You've waited all winter for spring to arrive. Wouldn't it be great to get out and enjoy it this time around?
For more information about asthma and allergies, read here.
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