Wellness Wednesday – Surviving Spring Allergies with Nurse Lauren

Hi there, Nurse Lauren here with your Wellness Wednesday tip. Are you excited that spring weather is finally here BUT also simultaneously can’s stop your nose from running or that itchy feeling in your eyes and ears? With the spring season comes the pollen and the allergies. Pollen is what plants release to fertilize other plants. Pollen that comes from trees, weeds and and grass are the most common causes of allergic reactions. While grass is the most common, ragweed, sagebrush, birch trees, oak tress, and cedar trees all produce high levels of allergenic pollen as well.

Help! What can I do?!?!?
1. Watch the pollen count. (This is how much pollen is in the air and usually reported with the weather during the spring season.) On high pollen count days, keep windows closed and limit your time outdoors.
2. Take a bath or shower and shampoo hair every night before bed.
3. Wash bedding at least once a week. Hot water is recommended.
4. Dry all clothes in a dryer – not on an outside clothesline.
5. Symptoms are persisting and/or getting worse? See your doctor for an allergen test and diagnosis.
6. Look for this symbol of products:

What medicines can I take? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (@AAFANational,) some over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help reduce the symptoms caused by pollen allergies. These can include:  antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, allergy shots / subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), and sublingual immunotherapy. Consult your healthcare specialist to see what is best for you.

This is Nurse Lauren, contributor of NursesNOW, signing off with your Wellness Wednesday tips. Follow these tips to help combat your spring allergies!