If you’re coughing and sneezing with the start of spring, you may want to see an allergist or your primary care doctor so they can administer an allergy skin test. This is the fastest and most accurate way to find out what’s bugging you, be it grass, pollen, or other common irritants like dust. During the test, the skin is pricked slightly to allow an allergen to enter the outer layer of epidermis. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the physician will check for a reaction (like hives or redness) to determine what you’re allergic to.

If you don’t work out regularly, spring may be the time to start. Increasing adrenaline levels and getting your blood pumping can help release and reduce allergy symptoms, especially nasal congestion. Though pollen outside can affect when and where you’re able to workout, try exercising indoors if you need immediate relief.

Pollen count changes frequently, so check online for up-to-date information. If you think you may be allergic to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the count is high. Dry and windy days are peak allergy days. Try spending time outside when the weather is cooler or after rainy weather. Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so plan to head outdoors later in the day if you can. If the pollen count is extremely high but you must go outside, use a mask and protective glasses to diminish any allergic reactions.

Dust can trigger allergies too, so be sure to keep your home and work surroundings clean. Replace air conditioner filters to keep dust and outdoor particles at bay. Purchase an air purifier for your home to help clean and circulate the air. Vacuum twice a week to ensure allergens like dust or mold are released from carpet and other home surfaces.

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are preventative treatment for allergens like pollen, grass, or dust mites. Immunotherapy gives a patient gradually increasing doses of a substance, or allergen, allowing the immune system to become less sensitive to it. This causes the production of a “blocking” antibody which reduces the symptoms of the allergy when the substance is encountered in the future. Prior to immunotherapy treatment, the physician identifies all allergy symptoms using skin or blood allergy tests. Immunotherapy is typically recommended only if a person is selectively sensitive to several allergens.

The best way to prevent nasal inflammation or a sinus infection is to keep your nasal passages as clear as possible. This can be done using a saline nose rinse or a neti pot – a small container with a spout designed for nasal rinsing. If you have chronic inflammation, your doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray.

On windy days with high pollen count, keep the windows shut. This will help reduce the number of outdoor allergens from entering the home. If the weather is warm, keep the air conditioner set on recirculate. This will also limit humidity, which can help control dust mites – a common indoor allergen.

When allergies strike, you’ll want to be prepared. Many medications can be found at your local drugstore that help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and other symptoms that commonly afflict allergy sufferers in springtime: Antihistamines: help relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples include Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, and Benadryl. Decongestants: provide temporary relief from nasal congestion. Examples include Sudafed, or nasal sprays like Afrin. Combination medications: helpful for allergies by combining an antihistamine with a decongestant. An example is Claritin-D.

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