For the ~50 million Americans who experience some form of allergy, allergy season, or mid-late spring, is a daunting time of year.
With pollen, dust, and irritant concentrations at their annual peaks during this time, people with conditions such as chronic sinusitis and chronic rhinitis know all too well what this time of year means:
- Runny and congested nose
- Constant sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Irritated skin
- Breathing and sleeping problems
In this article, Dr. Schalch Lepe discusses the best ways to prepare for allergy season and possible medical interventions that can permanently help solve some of these issues.
Know What Triggers Your Allergies
The best way to reduce the impact allergy season has on your system is to avoid the allergens that cause your reactions. The only way you can do this is by first knowing which allergens set you off. Look up different types of pollens at different types of year, and correlate your symptoms with the different pollen peaks, so you know which plants in particular to avoid and which times.
Monitor Local Pollen Reports
Familiarize yourself with how plants produce and release pollen and monitor local counts in your area. For example, dry days with higher winds have a higher pollen count, particularly during the early morning, which is when flowers start to open and release their pollen.
Limit Pollen Exposure
During days or times of day with higher pollen and allergen counts, limit your exposure by selecting a different activity for that time of day. If you enjoy running, consider moving your run to dusk instead of a dawn run – the same goes for gardening and other outdoor activities.
Perform Essential Gardening in Late Winter/Early Spring
By preparing your garden before peak pollen season, you give yourself a better chance of eliminating potential sources of allergens. For example, detritus and dead plant matter, if left alone, become moldy. This is a common allergy trigger. Do your heavy-duty gardening before these issues arise to help optimize your preparation for allergy season.
Consume Fruits, Vegetables and Green Tea
The natural antioxidants and antihistamines in fruits, veggies, and green tea help fight inflammation and reduce your reactivity to allergens in the surrounding atmosphere. Sticking to a healthy meal plan will help prepare your body to deal with the inevitable exposure you’ll get during peak allergy season.
Consider a Permanent Fix
One of the most critical considerations patients experiencing repeated and disruptive allergic reactions should have is that their allergies might result from a chronic condition, such as chronic sinusitis or rhinitis. These conditions occur due to inflammation, infection, and possible nasal polyp growth. Effective medical treatments can treat the tissue in the nose and airway responsible for triggering allergic reactions, such as Clarifix, RhinAer, and Vivaer technology.
Sinus and Allergy Treatment in San Diego, CA
Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, an industry-leading board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), offers the most cutting-edge, practical, and effective treatment solutions for chronic conditions. He thoroughly believes in treating the problem at the root, so the patient doesn’t have to face the issue again.
New, cutting-edge allergy testing techniques, as well as at home treatment options with prescription allergy tablets or sublingual drops may be an alternative to prolonged allergy shot regimens.
If you experience bad allergic reactions during allergy season, then consider a consultation with Dr. Schalch Lepe to see if the cause is something that can be controlled or treated. Arrange your consultation today by calling (858) 925-5800 or filling out his online form.