Got Seasonal Allergies? Manage Your Risk of Suffering.

April showers bring May flowers and…seasonal allergies? Many people are claiming increased sneezing and coughing, indicating our seasonal allergies have arrived. In many areas of the U.S., spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Tree pollination begins earliest in the year, followed by grass later in the spring/summer and ragweed in the late summer/fall. In tropical climates, grass may pollinate throughout much the year and mild winter temperatures can also cause plants to pollinate early.

Seasonal Allergy Prevention Tips

Try these tips to help avoid allergy triggers.

• Monitor pollen and mold count, which is often included in weather forecasts. Mold grows quickly in heat and high humidity.
• Keep windows and doors closed at home and in your car during allergy season.
• To avoid pollen, know which pollens you are sensitive to and check pollen counts. In spring and summer (during tree and grass pollen season), levels are highest in the evening. In late summer and early fall (during ragweed pollen season), levels are highest in the morning.
• Take a shower, wash your hair and change clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors.
• Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing other chores outdoors and consider taking appropriate allergy medication beforehand.

Healthy Lung Tips

Seasonal allergies can wreak havoc on your lungs. Taking steps to maintain lung health is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health.

• Try diaphragmatic breathing: By concentrating on lowering the diaphragm (muscle between the lungs and abdomen) as you breathe in, you’ll get a much deeper inhale. Professional singers use this technique to increase their lung capacity.
• Simple deep breathing: Concentrate on breathing deeply each breath.
• Count your breathing: Count how long it takes to inhale and exhale and try to increase the time for both.
• Watch your posture: Sit tall and occasionally reach your arms overhead and breathe deeply or try to recline and push out your chest to allow more air into your lungs.
• Stay hydrated: Your lungs need moisture like the rest of your body.
• Laugh: Laughing is a great exercise to work the lungs and abdominal muscles.
• Stay active: Moderate intensity exercise is great for the lungs.

If you experience frequent cough or head congestion, you may have seasonal allergies. Consider seeing an allergist for strategies to help manage your risk of suffering from allergy symptoms.