Recommended tips for Spring allergy relief from Elgin, IL area allergist

At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates in Elgin, IL, we see many patients who struggle with seasonal allergies. When people think of seasonal allergies, they often associate them with springtime when new growth is occurring in trees, grasses, and flowers. Unfortunately, millions of Americans deal with allergies caused by tree and grass pollen throughout spring and into summer, typically between the months of March through June. These patients may experience problems such as itchy, watery eyes or runny noses. Visiting an allergist can provide patients with tips on dealing with fall allergies and how to seek relief.

Tips for fall allergy relief

When patients are dealing with allergies during the spring and summer months, they may feel hopeless. The constant sneezing, the itchy eyes, and the coughing can become extremely problematic and interfere with their day-to-day activities. It may also cause patients to keep themselves indoors to avoid triggers. However, life doesn’t have to be spent in confinement because of allergies. Here are a few recommendations from Dr. Askenazi and the team at Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates in the area of Elgin, IL:

• Be aware of the pollen levels – if pollen levels are higher in your area, it is best that you avoid extended outdoor activities, especially in the morning hours when the pollen levels can be at their highest. Pollen counts can be checked by going to myallergydr.com.
• Wear clothing that protects your skin and hair – with protective clothing, patients can still address outdoor tasks that need to be done, such as raking the leaves or mowing the yard. Consider long sleeves, wear a hat to keep pollen out of the hair, and wear a protective face mask if needed.

• Remove pollen from the body – after outdoor activities, it is important to remove pollen from the skin and hair as soon as possible, especially when spending considerable time outdoors. Take off the shoes outside the house and do not bring them in, remove clothing that has been worn outdoors, and take a shower if possible.
• Don’t hang clothing outside for drying – patients with allergies will want to use a dryer for drying their clothes instead of hanging them outside to dry, as pollen will become embedded in clothing left outdoors.
• Purchase a dehumidifier – patients who are especially sensitive to allergens such as molds and dust mites can benefit from using a dehumidifier to keep the house dryer. Patients should consider keeping their humidity levels below 45 percent, or below 35 if possible.
• Use air conditioning – another method of removing moisture from the air is to use an air conditioner, especially in the bedroom where we spend many hours a day. Consider using one with a HEPA filter, which can help in purifying the air and reducing allergens. Replace the filters regularly to ensure they are doing their job, and when you do, dispose of them in a bag and place them immediately outdoors.
• Take medication for allergy relief – whether you need prescription medication or benefit from over-the-counter medications, it can be extremely beneficial to use an allergy medication daily that can provide relief. Many of the over-the-counter medications available for allergies provide 24-hour relief and can be non-drowsy.
• Visit the doctor – if you have tried many of the above techniques and are still suffering from allergies daily, it may be time to work with a doctor who can provide relief. Sometimes, prescription medications or allergy shots can help.

Are you interested in learning about tips and recommendations for dealing with seasonal allergies?

Contact the team of Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates in Elgin, IL to discuss your needs with an allergist. Tips for allergies and other conditions that may impact your quality of life can be discussed during consultation visits with our team. We have two convenient locations – Elgin and Crystal Lake can be reached by calling the front office for an appointment at (847) 888-8802.

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