Colorful spring flowers and bright green foliage are a welcome sight after a gray winter. But for some people, the pollen from fresh flowers can cause watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. These symptoms can take away all the joy of warm weather. If you’re wondering how to get rid of hay fever, you’re not alone.

What is pollen?

Pollen is made up of millions of tiny seeds that flowering plants, trees and grasses release at the start of their growing season — for most plants, this is early spring. The green dust that shows up on your car in the spring is wind-blown pollen. The stuff in your car can also get in your nose and lungs, causing a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. For some people, inhaling pollen dust can trigger an asthma attack (when the airways constrict), making it difficult to breathe.

You can sometimes tell which plant or tree you’re allergic to by the time your symptoms appear. Tree allergies typically peak in early spring, when birches, elms, oaks, and maples begin to bloom. Grass allergies typically peak in late spring and summer, when most grasses grow fastest. Fall allergies can often be traced to ragweed pollen. A doctor can also do allergy testing to determine what might be causing your symptoms.

If you think your spring allergies started earlier than usual, or if you’re experiencing sudden allergy symptoms for the first time, that’s not your imagination.research shows Warmer winters and fewer frost days Affects when flowers produce pollen and how much gets into the air. This means that even if the pollen didn’t bother you in the past, higher concentrations and longer exposure may now trigger symptoms.

How to Prevent Hay Fever Allergies

While you may not be able to completely avoid the symptoms of a hay fever allergy, there are steps you can follow to prevent and reduce allergies.

1. Keep an eye on your local pollen forecast. Most weather apps and local news will report when pollen levels are high. Keep windows closed and avoid spending time outdoors when pollen concentrations are at their peak. Pollen levels typically peak throughout the day.
2. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system in your home to remove allergens from the air. Change the filters in your heating/air conditioning system often, especially during peak pollen season.
3. Avoid outdoor activities — especially gardening and mowing — that can expose you to high levels of pollen. If you need to do yard work, schedule these activities for early morning, late afternoon, or early evening when pollen levels are likely to be lower. Wearing a mask during these events can also help prevent hay fever symptoms.
4. Change clothes after outdoor activities and change bed sheets every few days to reduce indoor exposure to pollen brought in from outside.
5. Be aware that pets that are outdoors may get pollen on their fur. Giving them a brush or a quick rinse after a walk may help reduce the amount of pollen they bring into your home.
6. talk to your doctor allergy medications and other treatments This may help prevent or relieve symptoms. While traditional antihistamines can cause drowsiness or other side effects, some newer medications are more effective and have fewer side effects. If you decide to take a medication, be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions.

How to Get Rid of Hay Fever Allergies

If you experience sneezing, coughing, or other symptoms from pollen exposure, there are a variety of medications or treatments you can seek to help relieve symptoms.

saline spray

For mild congestion, try rinsing your nasal passages with a saline spray to help clear mucus and pollen from your nose and relieve symptoms.You can buy prepared saline washes at the pharmacy, or you can do it yourself.

corticosteroid nasal spray

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are available over the counter or by prescription. They are safe and effective for many adults and children. A spray or two in each nostril once a day can eventually prevent allergy symptoms. However, it may take several days or even two weeks or more before you notice improvement.

antihistamines

There are several different newer antihistamines available over the counter. They are usually the best choice for short-term exposure to allergens or before corticosteroid nasal sprays take effect. Ask your doctor for advice on which medicine to try first.

decongestants

Decongestants can help relieve allergy symptoms. They come in oral or nasal spray form. However, don’t use nasal decongestant sprays for more than two or three days. Using them for an extended period of time may cause the congestion to get worse when you stop.

allergy shots

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can also help clear up hay fever allergies.treatment includes Regular injections of small amounts of allergens Help your body produce the antibodies it needs to stop allergy symptoms. This usually means weekly injections for several years, but many people see improvement in symptoms after three to six months.

Seasonal allergies don’t have to mean suffering. Learning how to get rid of hay fever, or at least combat the symptoms, can help you enjoy all the colors and possibilities the outdoors has to offer.