Prepping for Spring Allergies

Spring allergy season brings weeks of sneezing, congestion, and discomfort for hundreds of thousands across the country. By preparing your body, your home, and your treatment plan, you can minimize exposure and seasonal allergies symptoms. Taking a proactive approach – as soon as today – can significantly reduce symptoms before they spiral.

Start Antihistamines Before the Season

Antihistamines are the most used symptom reliever for allergies – and if you rely on this type of medication, they work best when they’re used consistently and proactively.

The Allergy and Asthma Network suggests taking antihistamines two to four weeks before your problem allergy season to get the most out of the medication. It’s also key to continue to take them consistently until pollen levels go down.

Spring Cleaning

Allergy symptoms occur when you’re exposed to pollen, and while that happens outside the most often, it can also follow you into your home. There are a few things to do to avoid constant exposure to your spring allergens.

• Change your filters, and make sure you replace them with HEPA filters
• Frequent vacuuming (with a HEPA filter) to pick up pollen in your carpet and furniture
• Take shoes off at the door to avoid tracking pollen through your home
• Keep windows closed and AC on if possible

Keeping the inside of your home as allergen-free as possible will help lessen your symptoms and give your immune system a much-needed break.

Avoid Certain Foods

Did you know that certain foods can cause added allergy symptoms during your peak season? It’s a phenomenon called Oral Allergy Syndrome. The proteins on the surface of fresh fruits and vegetables are like those on the pollen that cause your allergy symptoms, so the body can wrongly interpret them as harmful.

This can cause mouth and throat itching, as well as increased congestion and allergy symptoms. Find which foods are related to your spring allergies and avoid them if possible.

Ask About Preseasonal Treatment

If you are currently treating your allergies with allergy drops following The La Crosse Method™ Protocol, there is an added treatment that can give you an extra boost as you go through spring allergy season.

Preseasonal treatment is an additional allergy drop prescription that you take along with your usual treatment, typically eight weeks before peak allergy season. These drops contain a higher dose of the specific antigen that causes symptoms, with a goal of priming the body ahead of time, so it better tolerates exposures once the season hits.

If you haven’t taken the leap to start allergy treatment, now might be the perfect time. After successful treatment, many patients experience reduced – or eliminated – symptoms from their seasonal allergies. Find a provider near you that offers treatment to get started.