Pittsburgh is a beautiful city, and its residents are lucky to have access to such diverse outdoor activities. Unfortunately, for those with seasonal allergies, these activities can be difficult due to the increase in pollen levels. But don’t fear! There are ways you can manage your allergies so that you can still enjoy all the great things Pittsburgh has to offer.
Identify Your Allergy Triggers and Limit Exposure
The first step to managing seasonal allergies is to identify the triggers. Common triggers for seasonal allergies include ragweed, grass pollen, and mold spores. Once you know what triggers your allergy symptoms, you can take steps to avoid them.
This may mean checking pollen counts before spending time outdoors or taking medication in advance of activities that will put you in contact with allergens.
Practice Prevention Against Allergens
Allergy season in Pittsburgh will begin in early spring and last until the first freeze of the winter, so it is crucial to have a plan to help limit your exposure to allergens. Make sure you’re wearing pollen-blocking clothes, a mask, and sunglasses if you plan to spend time outdoors, and shower as soon as possible after being outside. When you return from being outside, take your shoes off before you go inside so you don’t track pollen into the home.
When you are inside your home, be sure to vacuum frequently, using a HEPA filter vacuum. This can help reduce the pollen in your home. It is also recommended that you dust hard surfaces with a wet rag regularly. Using an A/C HEPA filter can also help keep pollen out of the home. Be sure to keep your windows closed and use the A/C to stay cool in the warmer months to prevent allowing pollen into the home.
How to Treat Your Seasonal Allergies
While limiting exposure can help with mild symptoms, when it is peak allergy season, you may need more help to relieve your symptoms. Allergy medications can be sure to provide short-term relief from your symptoms. Consider using decongestants, eye drops, nasal spray, or antihistamines which can all be purchased over the counter.
Immunotherapy or allergy shots are another treatment option to help provide you with effective relief. These shots can change the way your immune system reacts to allergens. We will gradually increase the amount of allergen over the course of several months to decrease your sensitivity to the allergens and, in turn, reduce your symptoms when you come into contact with known allergy triggers.
With these preventative measures and treatments in mind, you should be able to enjoy the outdoors in Pittsburgh without suffering from allergies. Staying informed about pollen levels, taking preventive steps when spending time outdoors, and seeking treatment if necessary can all help alleviate your seasonal allergy symptoms so that you can make the most of your outdoor activities. Contact Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates, PC, today to schedule your appointment.