Spring Has Arrived & Brought Allergies Along For the Trip

Did the polar vortex intensify pollen counts? The answer is yes! Now that winter is over, adults and children are trading in winter coats for tissue boxes because allergy season is in full force. Unfortunately, since this record setting winter was brutally cold, allergy season has arrived earlier and more severe. When trees undergo a wet winter, mold develops causing them to release high amounts of pollen. With high pollen counts in the air throughout the country, and flowers blooming, allergy sufferers are urged to prepare for a rough couple of weeks, and worse, possibly months.

Allergy sufferers begin to notice watery eyes, congestion, runny noses, sinus headaches, and sneezing. Common combat solutions?

             ·         Place air purifiers in the home

             ·         When pollen counts are high, use the air conditioners, keep windows closed

             ·         Shower before bed, remove access pollen off of the body

             ·         Use neti-pots to clear nasal passageways

In addition to using home remedies to fight allergy symptoms, don’t forget to check expiration dates on allergy medication and nasal sprays, and keep a ready stock. There is also a new allergy medication, Oraiair, made up of freeze-dried grass that helps with allergies (ask doctor before use). If over the counter medications don’t work, visit the doctor and let them prescribe a medication based on specific symptoms.