Summer: great for the sun, not so much for the pollen. If you live in Pennsylvania, summer is the season where the sweet and nose-itching aroma of grass pollens fill the air. The exact culprits may vary depending on where in the state you are – in Philadelphia, you may be more likely to fall victim to the allergens released by ryegrass, timothy, Bermuda, bent, and brome grasses.
Allergy sufferers are most likely familiar with the range of anti-allergy medications available – tablets, eye drops, nasal sprays, inhalers, steroids, decongestants, antihistamines, creams. There are a lot. But if you’re not keen on any of the above, what are your options? Confine yourself to the house and gaze wistfully out the window at the sun-drenched outdoors? Banish the thought. Here are 5 steps you can take to manage your summer allergies without the drugs.
- Watch the pollen count.
Admittedly we just discussed not restricting yourself to the indoors for the sake of your allergies. However, common sense must always prevail. Consider regularly checking on sites that report the daily pollen count, such as The Weather Channel or IQAir. If the pollen count is high, particularly for the type of pollens you know will set off your coughing/itching/sneezing, it might be a good idea to stay indoors that day. If staying indoors is not an option, at least you can take precautionary measures, such as wearing a mask or sunglasses and a hat to reduce your pollen exposure.
- Avoid activities that stir up pollens.
Don’t go looking for allergens. That’s just asking for trouble. This includes running through meadows of ryegrass or gardening tasks, such as mowing and weeding. If you must frolic through the fields, the best time for this is immediately after heavy rain, which dampens down the pollen, or later in the day, as pollen count tends to be highest in the mornings between 5 and 10am.
- Minimize the chance of bringing allergens inside.
During high pollen counts, consider having a quick shower and changing your clothes immediately after coming in from outside. If a shower is not an option, at least wash your face and hands to get rid of the allergens on these areas. Also, avoid hanging your laundry outdoors as pollen can attach themselves to clothing, sheets, and towels, hitching a sneaky ride indoors. Ensure windows and doors are closed, particularly if it’s windy, and vacuum carpets and rugs regularly to remove allergens from these surfaces. Even hard flooring, such as floorboards or tiles, should get a good mop every so often.
- Consider natural remedies.
Though there are limited clinical studies proving the effectiveness of these alternative therapies, you can consider trying them once cleared by your doctor. There is suggestion that allergy symptoms can be improved by taking butterbur (a plant), bromelain (an enzyme found in fruits such as pineapple), probiotics, honey, spirulina (an algae), stinging nettle (a plant), quercetin (found in citrus, broccoli, and green tea), vitamin C (abundant in many fruits and vegetables), or peppermint, eucalyptus, and frankincense essential oils.
- Rinse your sinuses with saline.
Using sterile saline to flush out your nasal passages and sinuses can help to clear them of mucus and allergens, providing relief from nasal congestion. The additional benefit is that this therapy is relatively inexpensive and low risk. Saline solution for nasal irrigation can be bought as a bottle or vial ready to go, or you can make your own at home. Homemade saline should be made with bottled water or tap water that has been boiled then cooled. The saline can then be flushed through your nose using a neti pot or a squirt bottle. Be sure to clean and air dry the bottle or neti pot after each use.
Allergies are not fun no matter the season, but with the right steps you can still maximize your fun in the sun this summer. Where home remedies are not effective or adequate for managing your allergies, talk to your doctor about which medications might be the most appropriate for you. If over-the-counter or prescription anti-allergy medications are still not enough, you may be referred to a specialist doctor, such as an allergist.