How to Prepare for Allergy Season

Warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, but for many, it also signals the start of allergy symptoms. To get ready for allergy season, consider visiting a doctor to discuss possible action plans. The doctor might perform a skin test to identify allergens and provide recommendations based on the results. You can also clean your home to remove allergens, take steps to reduce outdoor allergen exposure, and adjust your diet and lifestyle. By preparing in advance, you’ll be less stressed when allergy season arrives.

Consult your doctor about allergy medication. If you're concerned about your body's reaction to allergens or if allergy symptoms are uncomfortable, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe medications to help you manage the upcoming allergy season.

• There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications available for allergies, but it's best to consult with your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing. The doctor may recommend OTC medications or stronger prescriptions if necessary.
• The doctor may also refer you to an allergy specialist who can offer allergy shots, which help reduce sensitivity to allergens over time. This is a long-term treatment option.

Request a skin test. There are many allergens that can trigger allergy symptoms. If you’re unsure what you are allergic to, a skin test is the best way to find out. You should ask your doctor to perform a skin test to identify the allergens.

Ask your doctor about corticosteroid nasal sprays. If over-the-counter nasal sprays aren’t relieving your congestion during allergy season, ask your doctor about prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays. These are much stronger and can help reduce congestion if other nasal sprays haven't been effective.

Consider acupuncture therapy for allergy relief. If you prefer not to use medication or if medications are not effective, acupuncture may be worth considering. Many studies suggest that acupuncture is an effective approach for treating allergies.

Wear a mask when cleaning. If you’re allergic to dust, wearing a medical mask while cleaning is essential to avoid inhaling dust and fine particles. Medical masks are available at most pharmacies and large department stores.

Change pillowcases and bed linens regularly. To reduce the amount of dust mites in your bedding, it is recommended to change and wash your bed linens once a week. Wash your pillowcases and sheets in hot water at temperatures of 54°C (130°F) or higher. Opt for synthetic fabric sheets instead of wool to reduce allergens.

Vacuum once a week. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clean the floors and carpets. HEPA filters help remove various allergens, which can improve allergy symptoms. For carpets, steam cleaning is recommended, especially if you have pets.

• Don’t forget to move furniture to vacuum areas that are harder to reach.

Wipe down windows and screens. Screens can collect dust and other particles, including allergens. You should also clean any mold or residue on the window sills.

• During allergy season, it's best to keep windows and doors closed to reduce the amount of allergens entering your home. You can use the air conditioning to cool the room instead.

Use an air purifier with an ionization system. Ozone (O3) effectively eliminates many types of mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria at high concentrations. However, since it cannot completely filter the air, it is better to use an ionizing air purifier (which targets most allergens) rather than one that uses O3 gas.

• Many air purifiers come equipped with UV light systems that are effective in killing mold.

Clean damp areas that are ideal for mold growth. Tidy up bathrooms and kitchens as these are common areas for mold. There are several ways to clean these spaces, such as using:

• Pure white vinegar. Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it onto damp, warm, and dark areas where mold might appear. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then wipe it clean.
• A bleach and water solution in a 1:9 ratio. Spray the solution onto areas prone to mold and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before wiping it away.
• A mixture of tea tree oil and water. Mix 30 ml of tea tree oil with 2 cups of warm water and shake it well. Spray the mixture onto areas that might develop mold and leave it for 15-30 minutes before wiping it clean. You can also mix tea tree oil with carpet cleaner in a 30 ml tea tree oil to 3800 ml cleaner ratio.

Clean your dish cabinets and wardrobes regularly. Dish cabinets and wardrobes are ideal breeding grounds for mold. Check under the sink for any leaks or mold growth. Keep these areas clean and ensure proper air circulation.

• Wash the clothes in your wardrobe regularly. It’s best to dry them in a machine rather than air-drying them on a line. Wipe shoes clean with wet wipes.

Sign up for allergy alert emails or use tools to track pollen levels in your area. You can sign up for email alerts or use local pollen tracking tools to determine the best days to stay indoors. This helps you plan outdoor activities by identifying when the pollen count is low.

Stay indoors between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This is when pollen levels are at their highest. Since pollen triggers a variety of allergies, staying indoors during this time will help reduce symptoms.

• Stay inside on warm, dry mornings and windy days, as pollen counts tend to be higher then.
• Go outside after it rains. The best time to be outdoors is after a rainfall, as rain helps wash away pollen, lowering the risk of allergic reactions.

Take precautions to minimize exposure to allergens when you must be outdoors. In some situations, you may need to be outside during allergy season. There are various ways to limit your exposure to allergens when outdoors.

• If your allergies are severe, wear a medical mask to avoid inhaling allergens.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from allergens.
• Wear a hat to prevent allergens from sticking to your hair.

Change clothes before entering the house. After spending time outdoors, it’s important to change and wash your clothes right away to minimize the amount of allergens brought inside. Follow this by taking a thorough shower and putting on fresh, clean clothes.

Increase your intake of flavonoid-rich foods. Flavonoid-rich foods have anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly useful for allergies. Additionally, they are rich in quercetin and rutin—natural antihistamines. Some flavonoid-rich foods include:

• Berries
• Red bell peppers
• Citrus fruits
• Bananas
• Pears
• Apples
• Onions
• Almonds
• Leafy greens
• Olive oil
• Almonds
• Green tea
• Herbal teas like parsley, sage, and nettle

Take supplements to boost your immune system. Some natural therapy experts believe that a weakened immune system makes the body more susceptible to allergens. Therefore, incorporating supplements into your daily diet can help strengthen your immune defenses.

• Use multivitamins. Find and take a multivitamin supplement daily with your meals.
• Add probiotics to your diet. You can have a serving of yogurt (with live cultures) daily or take probiotic supplements.
• Supplement with vitamin C. Vitamin C is another antioxidant that can reduce allergic reactions to allergens.
• Include omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease allergy symptoms.

Consider using herbal teas or supplements. There are many herbs that can help you prepare for allergy season and reduce symptoms. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider specializing in herbal medicine, especially if you’re taking prescription medications, including antihistamines. Herbs can sometimes enhance or reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, so it’s best to get your doctor’s advice beforehand.

• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
• Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) – particularly for allergies affecting the eyes
• Nettle (Urtica dioica)
• Quercetin and rutin supplements, typically taken 6-8 weeks before allergy season. Avoid quercetin or rutin if you have liver disease.

Exercise regularly. Exercising for 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week has been proven to be effective in reducing allergy symptoms. Indoor workouts are recommended on high pollen days, and it’s important to take precautions to minimize exposure to allergens when exercising outdoors.

• Swimming in a chlorinated pool can worsen allergies.
• “Listen” to your body and be aware of allergy symptoms. In some cases, exercise can trigger allergies and asthma.

• Use a neti pot for nasal irrigation. A neti pot filled with saline solution helps reduce mucus buildup caused by allergies.
• Seasonal allergies are common in young children and usually appear after the age of 2.