How to Alleviate Hay Fever Symptoms

Springtime conjures up memories of warmer weather, clear skies, and blooming flowers, but the season can be miserable for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen is one of the most common and prevalent allergens, and in the spring, the amount of pollen floating in the air can be up to four times greater than in any other season. According to Gillian Shepherd, M.D., an allergy specialist, "On windy days or for days after high winds, pollen counts are high because the pollen has been spread through the air. After it rains, counts drop as the rain washes the pollen away."
Therefore, allergy sufferers are all too familiar with the perils of high pollen count, and high pollen counts can affect numerous types of allergies, from conjunctivitis to skin reactions such as dermatitis. However, the most common spring allergy is allergic rhinitis.

Commonly called hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis affects 35 million people in the U.S. and is commonly triggered by allergens such as pollens and molds. When allergic rhinitis sufferers inhale these allergens, they are combined with an allergic antibody called immunoglobulin (IgE), and in those who have allergies, IgE is found at especially high concentrations.

To alleviate hay fever symptoms, your doctor may prescribe oral medication, nasal sprays, or eye drops, but perhaps one of the best ways at combating hay fever is to avoid substances such as pollen altogether. Here are some preventative steps you can take to keep pollen and dust out of your home:

Turn on Your Air Conditioner
Did you know that your air conditioner can actually help control allergens? Air conditioners allow windows and doors to stay closed, which keep some pollen and mold spores outside. Moreover, this keeps indoor humidity levels down, and the less moisture there is in the air, the less chance of mold growth.

Use Furnace Filters
Even though staying indoors is one way to avoid high levels of pollen, this may not be enough. Even if the windows or doors within a room remain closed, pollen can still seep n. Quality allergy furnace filters can solve this problem, and the ones from AllergyZone are great for this purpose. Be sure to change the filter regularly during hay fever season.

Wear Dust Masks
When performing housework, many common dusting and vacuum devices can actually shuffle as much dust and pollen back into the air as they take out. Therefore, a dust mask can prevent you from breathing in debris while cleaning. Also consider purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if this is truly a concern.

Purify the Air
Air purifiers are great for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as hay fever. When choosing an air purifier, select a unit with HEPA filters and all-metal construction. True HEPA filters have the ability to remove up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, and all-metal or steel gaskets prevent off-gassing of chemicals into the air.

Austin Air has also designed an air purifier specially designed for allergy sufferers. With the ability to clean large areas up to 1500 square and utilizing both medical-grade, True HEPA and HEGA filters, this air purifier is perfect for keeping hay fever symptoms at bay.