Ahh-choo! 7 Tips For Tackling Allergy Season

Are you one of the 67 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies? Don’t let allergies make you and your loved ones miserable throughout the fun-filled summer season. As we enter Allergy Awareness Month, Greene County Medical Center offers the relief you need. Learn 7 simple tips and tricks to beat the seasonal sneeze.

Tip 1: Eat allergy-fighting foods. Gain allergy relief through natural ingredients, and start enjoying the beautiful outdoors again. Through a variety of superfoods, you can help promote balanced immune responses to face those seasonal allergies head-on. Consuming these foods on a regular basis can diminish the harsh symptoms associated with allergies:

• Pineapple
• Berries
• Apples
• Honey
• Citrus

Tip 2: Drink A LOT of water. We all know that water is essential for good health, but it’s even more important during allergy season. Water, water-rich fruits, tea and vegetables can get you the hydration you need to fight off those annoying allergy symptoms. Drinking extra fluids will also alleviate congestion by thinning the mucus in our nasal passages, providing the relief we need to breathe easy.

Tip 3: Wash your hands. Washing your hands is not only important for removing allergens, but preventing them as well. Experts encourage washing your face and hands frequently throughout the day (in all seasons) to remove the pollen. This practice is especially important when your allergies are in full swing, to prevent more allergens from adhering to you when you’re outside.

Tip 4: Shower each evening. Showering and washing your hair on a consistent basis - and especially in the evening - is essential during allergy season. Showering before jumping into bed rinses away allergens in your hair and on your body. Additionally, the steam from the shower helps open blocked nasal passages, providing relief from a stuffy or runny nose.

Tip 5: Sanitize bedding and clothing. Allergens quickly adhere to clothing and bedding, making symptoms even worse. Washing items at least once a week in hot water will lower the amount of pollen and other allergens we bring in from outside.

Tip 6: Close your windows. It can be hard to resist opening your windows or doors when the temperature finally starts to rise after a long winter. However, this is one of the easiest ways for numerous allergens to enter your home. Escape from pollen by closing the windows of your house and car, opting instead for an air conditioner with an allergy filter.

Tip 7: Leave your shoes at the door. As stated, pollen and other allergens quickly adhere to our clothing items, particularly our shoes and boots! The easiest solution to avoid escorting allergens inside is to quickly clean off your footwear before stepping into the house, or simply leave them in a mudroom, porch or garage.

Avoid the annoying sneeze and runny nose by implementing these simple tips and speaking with your provider when symptoms first arise. Seasonal allergies can be quite bothersome, but don’t let them get you down. Greene County Medical Center partners with Wellendorf ENT to offer ear, nose and throat services - including allergy care. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss options for further relief!