7 Preventive Steps to Keep Off Allergies During the Pollen Season

Allergies, as most of us are familiar with, happen due to allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. These substances, however, are harmless in themselves. People suffer from allergies when their immune system mistakenly considers the innocuous allergens as a threat to the body. Seeing an allergist in Texas can help you get the right treatment and solve your persistent allergy problem. Besides prescribing medicines, a good doctor can give you some important prevention tips. 

In this blog post, we have listed seven steps you can take to ward off allergies during the pollen season.

1. Avoid moving out during high pollen counts

Though staying indoors is the easiest way to avoid allergy symptoms during the pollen season, it is not possible all the time. However, you can, at least, limit your trips. There are several websites you can use to track the pollen count and plan your trips accordingly.

Note: Pollen counts are usually high in the morning.

2. Keep the air conditioner clean

Besides keeping the windows closed, keep your air conditioner turned on and regularly service its filters. We also recommend users to install a high-efficiency particulate air or HEPA filter, with a high ‘Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value’ or MERV rating, as it will both prevent pollen and growth of mold as well as increase the life of the air conditioner.

Must Read : Asthma and Allergy Tests: A User-centric Guide

3. Moderate indoor humidity

Take steps such as running the exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas to ventilate the house and keep the humidity low. This action will prevent the growth of mold and benefit people who are allergic to mold. Ideally, your aim should be to maintain the humidity levels below 60 percent. If required, use a dehumidifier as well.

4. Wash your hair before going to bed

Despite taking all precautions, a lot of pollen may collect in your hair during the daytime. Therefore, instead of shampooing in the morning, do it at night before going to bed. This practice will keep pollen and dust particles away from rubbing on the pillow.

5. Avoid an outdoor line for drying clothes

Avoid hanging your bedsheets and clothes outside during the spring season. Instead, use an indoor line for this purpose. This way you’ll eliminate the chances of allergens that may otherwise stick to your clothes.

6. Change clothes when you come from outside

Pollen collects on your clothes when you are outside, which can cause allergies. After returning home, therefore, take a shower and change your clothes, especially if you suffer from acute allergy.

7. Avoid using rugs and keep your shoes outside your bedroom

Rugs and carpets accumulate a lot of dust. Avoid using them, especially in your bedroom, during the spring season. Additionally, ensure you remove your shoes while entering the house.

Conclusion 

According to WebMD, a health and medical news publisher, development of allergies can be genetical as well, but not all of them. A child who has one allergic parent has a 33 percent and the other with both the parents allergic a 70 percent chance to develop allergies. Besides this, your current health plays a significant role in causing allergies. For instance, a person who has recently endured a viral infection is more likely to develop an allergy if they come into contact with an allergen during this period. Seeking a professional allergist in Texas, therefore, is the best way forward to learn more about the reasons behind your allergy symptoms and get proper treatment.