Allergy Season Tips For Dealing With The Worst Pollen Season In Years

With allergy season just around the corner, for many it will be a miserable time of year. This year's allergy season is expected to be the worst pollen season in years. There are, however, many things that those who suffer from allergies can do to relieve the symptoms and feel better fast.

Today reported that there were nine things that allergy sufferers did that could actually make symptoms worse ^[1]. With a mild winter and an early spring, those who suffer from allergies could pay a bigger price. Dr. Merritt Fajt, an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said that each year was predicted to be a worse allergy season than the last.

"Every year we say this may be the worst pollen season. But this year we are seeing an increase in pollen a month sooner than usual in many areas of the U.S. More and more people are having year round allergy symptoms, who used to have seasonable ones."

Noooo, we don't want #ragweed in the UK https://t.co/BVzHqrI9Ry via @DrAnneEllis ^[2]^[3]^[4]

— George du Toit (@GoAllergy) March 24, 2016 ^[5]

One of the biggest mistakes allergy sufferers make is to wait to take medication once they start experiencing symptoms. Allergists suggest taking medication before experiencing symptoms when the pollen count is high. For those who are suffering from allergy symptoms, it's a good idea to get tested too.

To avoid bringing pollen into the house during allergy season, consider taking a shower at night, and use an air conditioner to cool the house rather than throwing open the windows and bringing pollen into the house. Driving with the windows down in the car is another way to bring pollen in during allergy season.

For those who are allergic to grass, it's a good idea to have someone else cut the grass, and don't go outside if the neighbors are mowing the grass. Allergy sufferers need to avoid rubbing their eyes after coming from the outside. It's also a good idea to avoid certain fruits and vegetables like apples, almonds, and carrots, and red wine can trigger an attack too.

The pollen count today hit 2,759, reaching the "extreme" range. RT your pictures of pollen. #Pollen #CBS46 pic.twitter.com/jUbFCY2N4V ^[6]^[7]^[8]

— CBS46 (@cbs46) March 24, 2016 ^[9]

CNN reported that the best way to survive allergy season ^[10] is to allergy proof the day. Although popping an antihistamine is a good idea, tweaks to an allergy sufferer's routine can make a huge difference too. One place to start is by cleaning the washing machine. Washing bed linens and other surfaces can get rid of pollen, but washing machines are a breeding ground for allergens like fungi and E. coli too. Prevent mold growth by removing wet clothing promptly and leaving the door open between washes so the inside can stay dry.

Guys that's a pollen covered Buckhead in the distance. And we fly thru that hazy nastiness. Glad we have AC. pic.twitter.com/MBQ1ei7hYK ^[11]

— Jason Durden (@JasonDurdenWSB) March 24, 2016 ^[12]

Dusting regularly can help to get rid of pollen and other allergens during allergy season. It's best to avoid using a feather duster though as this will stir the dust up instead of removing it. Consider using wet cloths to dust with or even a wet paper towel. For those who really suffer, wearing a mask and gloves can help too.

Dust mites can cause problems even when it's not allergy season, and it's one of the most common allergens allergy sufferers can come in contact with. Using allergen proof covers on pillows, comforters, mattresses and box springs can help sufferers keep dust mites at bay. Experts recommend using tightly woven microfiber for best results.

[Photo by Pixabay]