While many people have enjoy warm days that signify spring, others are dreading something else that comes with warmer weather – seasonal allergies.

Nearly 40 million people suffer from seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, with symptoms such as a stuffy, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing and wheezing.

These following steps are recommended to help reduce your exposure and to control symptoms:

• Since the peak hour for pollen dispersal is 5–10 a.m., try to avoid the outdoors during that time. If you do need to be outside, wear a face mask.
• To help remove pollen from skin and hair, shower immediately after being outdoors, and especially before going to bed.
• Wash clothing that has been worn outside in hot water. Do not dry it outdoors.
• Wash bedding in hot water once a week and avoid hanging it outside.
• Keep the windows and doors of your home and car closed. Use an air conditioner to cool the air, not window or attic fans.

It’s important for you to know what you are actually allergic to, so an allergist or otolaryngologist can accurately diagnose and help them manage your condition.

Treatment can include antihistamines, decongestants, prescription nasal corticosteroids and/or immunotherapy (allergy shots). What works best for one person may not be as effective for another, which is why it’s important to see a doctor before your allergies get out of control. A number of kits are now available over the counter to acutally flush out the nose with salt water.  This may be helpful, particularly after excessive exposure, to wash allergens from the nose.

This article originally appeared in UC Health Line (3/22/07), a service of the NetWellness.org Academic Health Center Public Relations Department and was adapted for use on NetWellness with permission, 2007.

For more information:

Go to the Allergies health topic.