Got Allergies? How to Survive This Spring
Spring is the time when allergies act up. Often, our eyes can take the biggest hit. Here are a few things you can do to improve your comfort.
Why the Spring?
Spring is a season of pollen, fresh cut grass, dust and flowering trees. All of these allergens can trigger an allergic response and cause discomfort for your eyes. While any other season can cause allergies for some people, spring is the season when most people suffer.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies:
Twenty percent of the population experiences some sort of allergy related to the environment. Typical symptoms can include red, burning, itchy or watery eyes — often accompanied by a scratchy throat, running nose, sneezing and much more. Some of the reactions to allergens come and go, but for many, the discomfort can lasts all season.
What you can do:
While spring irritants and allergies vary in severity, any sufferer knows how frustrating it can be. There is some comfort in knowing there are a few things you can do to make the season more manageable.
- Take antihistamines early: Over the counter medications such as Zyrtec, Claritin and Benadryl can provide relief. It’s important to start these before the irritants have triggered your allergic response.
- Keep your doors and windows closed if you’re sensitive to pollen produced by the outdoors.
- If you are reacting to dust or mold indoors, try to identify and remove the source of the irritants.
- Wear a mask if you are raking leaves, cutting grass, or removing carpet if you know from past experience that you are likely to react to this exposure.
When to See a Doctor:
If the above methods do not provide any relief from your allergies, you should speak with a doctor to discuss other treatment options. Your doctor may be able to prescribe eye drops to offer you some additional relief.
