9 Tips To Prevent Spring Allergies

As the cool, breezy winters come to an end, our eyes are eager to see the blooming spring colors. Those with a passion for gardening get all set to bring out their gardening tools and start working on their gardens again. Spring brings energy, positive vibes and a bugging desire to do something creatively innovative.
In most households, the change of season means some thorough cleaning out, with people making sure that their wardrobes, store rooms, junkyards, kitchens, etc are all tidied up and readied for the seasonal transitions.
For many of us, spring is a welcome change also because the lack of outdoor physical exercise and the charm of remaining covered in blankets amid the cold winter winds majorly contribute to us packing a few extra pounds. The arrival of spring means more outdoor activities like our regular evening walks and the much anticipated barbecue parties.

THE DOWNSIDE OF SPRING SEASON

On the other hand, spring can also cause a number of setbacks to our health. Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin can get aggravated during this time, while common nasal allergies can lead to rhinitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and asthma. Additionally, the increase in outdoor activities can be a contributing factor in coming down with stomach disorders such as diarrhea and cholera due to our greater exposure to environmental pollutants.
Below is the spring allergy survival guide that can be of some assistance in saving you from contracting spring allergies:

AVOID LINE DRYING

It is tempting to dry clothes outside, especially with the sun shining brightly. However, line drying outdoors can be an invitation for the unwelcome pollen grains circulating in the air to stick to your laundry items. Try using the dryer attached to your washing machine or, in case of a power failure, air dry indoors, preferably in a room that is exposed to sunlight .

KEEP YOUR HAIR CLEAN

Spring time means a greater inclination towards taking showers, something that becomes quite a mission during the winter months. Showers are not only essential from a sanitary point of view but also help cleanse your hair, which is considered to be an ‘allergen magnet’. Pollen can easily stick itself to your hair and be inhaled by you or other members of your household. Shampooing hair regularly with a mild shampoo and covering it with a scarf or hat when outdoors can help keep this problem at bay.

AVOID FLOWERS

It is always tempting to smell a lovely bouquet of roses, but the resultant sneeze attack is something that makes you regret it. Being the primary source of pollen, sniffing flowers from up close is just like touching a beehive with bare hands. No matter how lovely they look, avoid going to close to flowers, especially if you are prone to allergies.

KEEP YOUR EYES COVERED

By this, I don’t mean that you should stay blindfolded throughout the spring months but wearing protective clear spectacles or sunglasses is recommended as they keep allergens such as dust, mites and pollen from causing irritation in your eyes. Moreover, if you have already been affected by allergic rhinitis, it is likely that you are also suffering from watery eyes. You can prevent this condition from getting worse by wearing protective glasses.

MAKE THE RIGHT FOOD CHOICES

Nutritious and healthy, foods such as broccoli, oranges, grapefruits, green tea, apples, berries and onions are your best friends during the spring season. Load up on papaya and pineapple and take a vitamin C supplement so as to prevent and cure the occurrence of any flu-like symptoms.

BE ATTENTIVE TO PET MANAGEMENT

It is natural to love your pets but the real task is to ensure they are clean and tidy, especially this time of the year when allergies are at an all time high. Every time you take pets out for their regular walks, their paws become loaded with dust, pollen and other atmospheric allergens. Make sure you clean them properly whenever they come back from outside. Moreover, it is customary for indoor pets to shed hair all around the house, which essentially requires their owners to be on their toes with the fur cleaning duties as animal fur is another leading cause of allergies.

DONT BRING DIRTY SHOES INSIDE

You might be surprised to know that shoes carry more germs than toilet seats. Since you use them to travel different places and they come in contact with the dirtiest of environments, shoes are the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and allergens. You can prevent allergies and other diseases from spreading due to the dirt on your shoes by placing a shoe rack or basket at the entrance of your house and making sure that it is regularly cleaned.

FOLLOW YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE INDOORS

Karachi is full of blooming gardens and parks, which are equipped with running tracks for those who love their outdoor exercise routines. Although a healthy practice in itself, your daily running and walking regimen can turn into an allergy infested nightmare due to the freely roaming pollen in parks. Invest in a treadmill for indoor workout or register at a gym where you can maintain your fitness schedule indoors and away from the allergens