April is coming and spring allergy sufferers are shaking. They can be recognized by their characteristic throat clearing, the fact that they always have a handkerchief in their hand and that they don't know whether they have a cold or are crying. Here in France, for example, pollen levels from plane tree, olive tree, nettle, birch, cypress and grass increase as spring progresses. Unfortunately, allergies can occur at any time in our lives and without warning.
Allergy symptoms start earlier and earlier each year and range from runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, hives, difficulty breathing and a stuffy nose throughout the day. The luckiest people have mild symptoms that are more or less bearable. But if the allergy is severe, many of these symptoms occur at the same time, becoming disabling and requiring a medication approach.
However, leaving aside the daily antihistamine, the team of Lifehacker offers some recommendations for this spring allergy season that can make your life easier and less miserable. For example, you should know that pollen comes from outside, unless you have plants at home that you are allergic to. That's why it's recommended that you don't open the windows wide on spring days.
Pollen is an expert at sneaking indoors
If you really need to air out, you can use an air purifier, which filters the air in your home by trapping pollen and mold particles. It works in the same way as car filters, which should be changed every year if you have allergies. However, pollen cannot be prevented from entering the house in any way, especially in the early and late hours of the day.
Pollen particles cling to clothing, shoes, hair and pets. To avoid this source of allergens as much as possible, remove your shoes and clothes as soon as you get home. Leave shoes in the hallway and clothes in the washing machine. Take a shower before going to bed, including your hair. This way, you won't breathe in allergens when you're most vulnerable – while you sleep.
If you have a dog, wipe it with a damp towel to pick up pollen particles on the outside of its fur. Change your sheets and curtains frequently until the allergen season is over. If you have carpets in your home, consider not using them during spring allergy days. On the other hand, some people find it helpful to go outside with sunglasses and a mask during allergy season. They avoid inhaling the allergen as much as possible to minimize their symptoms, especially if you have an asthmatic allergy that prevents you from breathing normally.
There are a number of things you can do in your home to minimize the effects of allergies
When cleaning, it is recommended that you use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner or mop instead of sweeping so that you don't pick up dust or pollen particles from the floor. This is especially helpful if you are allergic to dust, but you should maintain this routine throughout the year.
See an allergist
Of course, if you still don't know what you're allergic to and you suffer from symptoms every spring, you should see an allergist. At the hospital, he or she will perform a thorough test to determine your allergens and treat the problem with medication or routine changes. In many cases, treatment may include allergen injections or inhalers in addition to antihistamines.
