It’s almost time for fall, but you’re still sneezing and coughing from your allergies. Why? Allergens like mold, ragweed and mites are more common during autumn. As a result, you may notice that your symptoms stay the same or become even worse as you transition from summer to fall. Thankfully, you can take a few steps to help.
Here’s a look at how to aid your seasonal allergies.
1. Stay Indoors When Pollen Peaks
You’ll want to avoid going outside on days when pollen peaks. Take a look at your local weather radar to learn about pollen count. You’ll be able to see information for any given day on tree, grass, ragweed and more. It’ll show you each level so that you can determine whether you need to take extra precautions to avoid an attack. An extended forecast can give you a look at your upcoming week.
Try to plan outdoor activities around your local pollen levels. For example, you shouldn’t schedule a golf outing on a high-risk day. Use tools to make your life easier.
2. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier should help your indoor humidity levels stay maintained. If you have asthma, you’ve probably noticed that it’s harder to breathe when it’s humid. That’s because moist air causes bronchoconstriction — and your lungs become tighter. It’s important to keep your home at a comfortable level so that you don’t trigger your usual symptoms. A range between 35% and 50% humidity should be suitable.
You should put your dehumidifier anywhere that moisture collects. Your basement or cellar likely has a high level. This way, you’ll be able to lower your home’s overall humidity most effectively. You can play around with your machine to find a setting that works best for your house. If you find more severe moisture issues, it’s crucial to address those from a professional standpoint, as a dehumidifier won’t be much help.
3. Delegate Outside Chores
Are you your family’s resident grass mower and leaf raker? Those chores can trigger allergies since they provide a healthy environment for allergens. A disturbance to those spaces eventually causes those elements to become airborne. Before you can blink, your symptoms have already started. Ask your family to do these chores if you think they’ll cause symptoms. You can wash dishes instead.
If that’s not possible, you should wear a mask and glasses. This gear can keep your mouth, nose and eyes protected while you work. You can take medication before you head outside as a preventative measure, too.
4. Clean Furnace Vents and Filters
Your furnace vents and filters can trap various allergens throughout spring and summer. When it’s chilly outside, you’ll turn on your heat — and mold will disperse. As a precaution, you should thoroughly clean your furnace. You could experience fall allergy symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes if you don’t. Fortunately, you can probably complete each task on your own.
Tackle your filters before you address your air ducts and vents. You may only need to rinse your filters to notice a difference. If not, you should call a professional that can handle your air ducts for you. That job can be an undertaking. Plus, they could make recommendations about keeping those spaces clean to prevent allergies.
5. Shower When You Return Inside
If you spend a long time outdoors, it’s necessary to shower once you come inside. Because pollen and other allergens can gather on your clothes and hair, you’ll want to change outfits and rinse off so that you don’t expose yourself further. Try not to hang your laundry outside, either. Those substances will stick to your towels, linens and other objects as they dry.
These steps will keep allergens away from your living space. If you do a lot of outside work, you may want to dedicate certain clothes and shoes to those tasks. Then, you’ll be able to have clothes you wear inside and in public that won’t have allergens on them. Keep these articles in a place separate from your regular outfits.
6. Take Specific Medications
When your other efforts fail, you could use allergy medicine. These medications can treat your symptoms so that you don’t feel unwell. You could try various over-the-counter antihistamines or talk to your doctor. Your situation may call for a more individual approach. Either way, you should try to combine your medication with other efforts listed on this guide to ensure you cover your bases.
A few extra precautions can keep you mostly symptom-free. A medication paired with these other tricks will keep your daily routine much more manageable.
Use These Tips to Keep Your Autumn Allergies at Bay
It’s frustrating to have allergies from spring to fall. That said, you can take steps to prevent your symptoms. Use a few of these ideas so that you can enjoy autumn.
