10 Tips for Coping With Allergies

I’m so over winter this year, and very excited about the arrival of Spring.  Wait… why is my left eye so itchy??  Ah, drat. I forget about the joys of coping with allergies in Spring! These tips for coping with the allergy season were sent to me by QleanAir Scandinavia, and I thought I’d share.

I actually never knew what I was allergic to. According to this interesting “pollen season” calendar, tree pollen kicks off first.  So I’m guessing that’s one of my issues.  A few years ago I was so miserable with seasonal allergies, I resorted to rinsing my sinuses with a Neti Pot *shudders*.

In case it’s a doozy this year, it never hurts to have a few tricks up your sleeve.

Coping With Allergies During a Mega Pollen Season

This March is giving us a taste of spring in several parts of the country, with sunny days and temperatures above normal. For many, there is anticipation in hearing the sound of birds sing again, along with warmer, longer days and flowering buds; but to others, it is also a tough time due to suffering through pollen allergies.

Experts are forecasting this year as being one the worst pollen seasons in decades in many parts of the world.  Throughout North America and Europe, the season is divided into three parts, depending on the type of pollen: Tree pollen, grass pollen and ragweed (North America)/ mugwort (Europe), even though many other places throughout the world follow this pattern.

The high temperatures in February throughout Europe have already started this year’s season.

Is is a Cold… or an Allergy?

Pollen allergies, also called hay fever, are associated with red and itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose and fatigue, but can also cause asthmatic problems. If most pollen allergy symptoms correspond to a classic cold, how can you tell the difference?

While coughing and a sore throat are more common during colds, eye irritations a runny nose, and frequent sneezing are more associated with “allergies”. What sets them apart is the duration. A common cold usually lasts a week, but allergy symptoms may persist throughout a whole season.

10 Tips to Protect Yourself from Pollen Allergies

1. Get tested

If you’re suffering from allergic symptoms derived from something in the air, get tested and see what you’re allergic to. It may originate from the outdoors, like pollen, grass, or pollution in general. It may also be from something indoors, like pet dander, feathers, perfumes, smoke, detergent, powders or chemicals at work, particles in the air from food, etc..

2. Get the app

Once you’ve identified where your symptoms are derived from, you have the ability to avoid what’s causing it. For example, if pollen is causing your allergies, you may want to avoid going outdoors as much on days when the pollen count is high. There are apps you can get that display air quality and pollen counts in your area to give you a head’s up.

3. Let your job know

If your allergy is stemming from something at work, you should formally let your employer know about the circumstances and have them inquire about a solution to elevate the issue.

It could be something as simple as a “no perfumes rule” at the job, or to get a smoking cabin instead of a room for smokers where the smoke seeps out and affects the surrounding areas.

4. Inform others

Let others know. It may seem self explanatory to you, but others not knowing that you’re suffering from allergies may think you’re just in a bad mood, or lazy, overworked, a complainer, weak, etc., if you don’t politely let them know that you have allergic reactions to the environment you’re in caused by something they or may not be responsible for.  Many will sympathize and understand, and may even have the power to do something about the issue.

For example, if you have a pet allergy and don’t let your friend know, they may think you’re avoiding them because you decline overtime they invite you over for dinner.

5. Clean your environment

Indoor environments like offices and homes can get dusty quickly. Particles end up settling in rugs, carpets and curtains, and every time someone gets in contact with them, like walking over a rug, the dust, and debris get kicked up into the air and invade your air passages, causing everything from irritation, sneezing, watery eyes, allergies and asthma.

Vacuuming often and using natural, organic cleaners will help alleviate these types of symptoms, and if your home is clean, you’ll breathe and sleep better at night.

6. Quit smoking and/or avoid places where people openly smoke

If you don’t smoke, that’s great. You’re protecting your body from proven, long term negative effects. Second hand smoke is just as bad, especially for non smokers, because their airways aren’t used to being infiltrated with all the harsh chemicals and fumes that are released from cigarettes and cigars.

The only solution where smokers can safely cohabitant with others without affecting other’s air, is by using a smoking cabin. There, the smoke and odors are immediately trapped in the cabin’s gas and HEPA filtration system, and only clean air is released back into the immediate environment.

7. Time your outdoor activities

As the entertainment industry says, “Timing is everything!”. Whether you’re going out for a run or going window shopping, planning your errands to when the pollen count is lower will help alleviate or lessen symptoms.

Depending on the time of day, wind, humidity and rain all affect pollen counts. Typically, pollen counts are their highest between 10am–4pm, but rain washes pollen from the air and outdoor surfaces. Asthma can also be triggered by outdoor temperature.

8. Wear sunglasses outside

Sunglasses don’t only protect your peepers from blinding UV rays, they also aid as a barrier from pollens and dust getting into your eyes.

9. Avoid open windows and/or attic fans

It may be tempting to turn on your attic fan in the summer months, but that will bring in unfiltered air and airborne contaminants from the outside. Although air conditioning is not the most ideal, it is better than using attic fans or open windows to cool off.

10. Get an air cleaner/air purifier

Get yourself, or recommend that your job invests in a top of the line air cleaner/purifier. Since we adults spend most of our waking hours at work during the week, people who have an air filtration system that captures air contaminants and releases only clean air notice a significant improvement in their health. This way, no matter the pollen count, the perfume/cologne people wear, the smoke, the chemicals and powders, etc…you and your colleagues will be free from them and the symptoms they cause.

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Contributed by QleanAir Scandinavia

With more than 25 years experience, QleanAir Scandinavia’s innovative approach and technology provides businesses with solutions that promote health by controlling their indoor environments and air quality.

To discover more about QleanAir Scandinavia, visit www.qleanair.com