Allergies of all types affect more than 50 million Americans, with hay fever rates at 8.2% for adults and 8.4% for kids.

If you fall into those statistics, you know the discomfort of the itchiness, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes that come with seasonal allergies. It can be hard to breathe and difficult to focus when you’re constantly blowing your nose and drying your eyes. You’ll likely take any allergy tips you can get to relieve the discomfort.

All those symptoms are your immune system’s way of responding to the allergens. With seasonal allergies, pollen is the most common offender. Saving yourself from uncomfortable allergy symptoms often happens when you reduce your exposure to pollen.

Check out these allergy tips to keep you breathing easier during peak allergy season.

1. Know When to Stay In

You can’t always avoid the great outdoors, but limiting your time outside during peak pollen activity can cut down on your allergic reactions. The worst pollen times include the hours shortly after sunrise and after sunset. Time your outdoor activities outside of those times to reduce your body’s reaction.

Weather conditions also play a role in pollen issues. Dry, windy weather kicks up the pollen and may cause you to have a stronger reaction. Rain tends to lower the pollen count and keep it out of the air, so right after a rain is a better time to head outdoors.

2. Reduce Indoor Allergens

Allergens that enter your home can still cause your allergies to go crazy, even if you stay indoors. Vacuum regularly using a machine with a HEPA filter to remove allergens that find their way into your home. Wash your bedding regularly using hot water to remove pollen

Keeping windows closed, especially when pollen counts are high, reduces how much enters your home. Using your air conditioning is easier on your allergies than leaving windows open. Replace the AC filter frequently to ensure it works well.

3. Protect Yourself Outdoors

You can’t hide out inside for the entire allergy season, so take precautions to minimize your exposure when you are outside.

It’s best to avoid mowing and other yard work if you have allergies. The work stirs up pollen and can cause a reaction. If you do have to handle yard work, wear a pollen mask while you do it, and shower and change clothes afterward to remove any pollen.

4. Try Home Treatments

Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve symptoms when you can’t avoid the pollen. Decongestants help with nasal congestion. If you know the pollen count is high, take the medication before you notice allergy symptoms to try to avoid them completely.

Saline solution is a safe way to wash out your nasal passages to clear up congestion and remove allergens. Use sterile distilled water in a nasal rinse bottle to complete this treatment option. You can also use allergy nasal sprays to relieve your allergy symptoms.

5. Check With Your Doctor

If you can’t find relief by minimizing your exposure and taking over-the-counter remedies, ask your allergy doctor for other treatment options to get some relief. Allergy shots may help cause a reduced reaction from your immune system, which can cut down on symptoms. This type of immunotherapy typically takes three to five years for the full course of treatment.

Follow the Best Allergy Tips

Reducing your exposure to pollen and other allergens may help you breathe easier and see clearer without itchy, watery eyes. You can’t avoid allergens completely, but you can use these allergy tips to breathe in less pollen to ease your symptoms. Keep reading more health articles for overall improved wellness.

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