After making it through some colder months, seeing your backyard flowers peeking out of the ground can be a welcome sight. Combined with rising temperatures and trees in bloom, you might recognize these as classic signs telling us spring is on the way!
But do you worry about meeting the change of season with a runny nose, itchy eyes, or a scratchy throat, instead of open arms? For many people, the early signs of spring can be telltale signals allergy season is also coming soon. If you need tips for what helps relieve allergies fast, we can help! You’ll be able to feel better and enjoy the warmer weather outdoors. And you can even stop to smell the flowers.
What are some common allergies?
Knowing what you may be allergic to can be a great first step in protecting your health. As spring rushes in, you’ll likely start to notice much higher pollen levels in the air. Many people can be highly sensitive to this, causing them to have “hay fever” symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or itchy, watery eyes.
Not sure what you’re allergic to? Some common allergies include grasses, ragweed, cotton wood or milkweed. You could even be sensitive to certain flowers, or tree pollen. To help you find out for sure, visit your doctor or make an appointment with an allergist.
What helps relieve allergies fast?
Even if you’re unsure what’s contributing to your allergies, there are steps you can take to make allergy season a little easier on you. Here are a few tips to try:
- Close the windows, please. Since pollen and allergens are usually spread around by wind, it can be a good idea to leave your windows closed. This can be especially true on extra-breezy days, or when pollen counts are higher. To stay in the know, you can get a “pollen forecast” by using an app or by listening to weather information in your area. If it’s windy out or pollen levels are higher, you’ll probably want to stick to just running the air conditioning in your house and car.
- Breathe in some steam. If you find your nose gets a little clogged due to your allergies, boiling some water and gently breathing the steam can help. It may be just the trick to open up your nasal passages so you can breathe a bit easier. Steam from a hot bath or shower can help, too. Or you can try rinsing your nasal passages with a mild saline solution and neti pot.
- Drink more water. Maybe one of the easiest and fastest ways to relieve allergy symptoms is by drinking more water. By taking in more fluids, you’ll stay hydrated and flush toxins out of your system. You can also keep your histamine levels regulated. This helps with your body’s natural responses to fighting off inflammatory and allergic reactions.
- Put your mask on. If you’re wondering what helps relieve allergies fast, this may be the fastest way to provide relief! You probably already know wearing a mask or face covering can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But it can also help with your allergies! If you’re heading outdoors to walk your dog, do some gardening, hike some trails or ride your bike, wearing your mask will stop the dust and allergens from getting into your nose and mouth.
- Wash everything off. After you’ve been spending a few hours outside, it’s a great idea to throw the clothes you were wearing into the laundry once you come back in. Allergens, including dust and pollen, like to climb aboard while you’re out and about. Making sure to wash your clothes (and your mask) immediately can prevent you from having an allergic reaction. You might even want to take a quick shower, too, if you have time.
- Give your pets a bath, too. Spring weather may be inviting you to take some nice long walks with your furry friends. And this can be a great way to get more steps in! But when you’re trying to keep your allergy symptoms at bay, you’ll want to make sure you wash off your buddy’s muddy paws when you come inside. Regular bath time at least once a week can help keep their coat free of any dirt they may have picked up from being outside.
- Vacuum regularly. To keep your home as free from allergens as you can, you should plan on vacuuming one to two times per week. For some bonus points, choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter to provide added allergy relief. These filters tend to trap fine particles like dust and dander, improving the air quality in your space.
- Invest in an air filter. If you’re looking to give the air quality in your house a bigger boost, an air filter might be something you’ll want to invest in. They come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your space and budget well. Just like your vacuum, you can look for one with a HEPA filter to trap dust, pollen, smoke and other allergens that might be traveling in the air.
With these quick allergy relief tips, you’ll be ready to feel your best whenever allergy season comes calling! Just be sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new treatment, over-the-counter products, or to have your health questions answered.
This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant as medical advice.
