It's no wonder those with outdoor allergies often suffer the way they do. If a person opens a window or a door, or simply walks outside, she will become exposed to pollen that is present in the outdoor air. Unless you want to live in a bubble, avoiding pollen is pretty difficult.
However, you can follow some tips to at least minimize pollen exposure:
- Keep the windows in your home closed, which prevents pollens from drifting into your home.
- Minimize early morning activity when pollen levels are at their highest -- between 5 and 10 a.m.
- Keep your car windows closed when driving.
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in the air.
- Take a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or an ocean cruise.
- Avoid performing yard work, or wear a mask or bandana over your nose and mouth when working outside.
- Use a clothes dryer to machine dry bedding and clothing, instead of hanging clothes on a clothesline, which can cause laundry to become coated with pollen.
Generally, I don’t recommend that my pollen-allergic patients obtain an indoor air cleaner to reduce their pollen exposure, since this obviously wouldn’t work once the person goes outside. An indoor air cleaner may be helpful to reduce indoor pollen levels if you prefer to have your windows open frequently, however.
If you're suffering, speak to your doctor about hay fever treatment options.
Source:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergies. Website accessed March 20, 2010.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
