Tips for Surviving Spring Allergies

CLICK HERE to download soundbites, b-roll, script and web article.

For download password, contact ccnewsservice@ccf.org.

CLEVELAND - As we count down the days to spring, many of us are looking forward to warmer weather.

But temperatures rise, the presence of pollen picks up too.

So, what can you do to keep it out of your home?

“Try to keep your windows closed as much as possible so that the outdoor pollens aren't coming indoors,” explained Sandra Hong, MD, an allergist for Cleveland Clinic. “As it warms up, you may be tempted to open the windows at night, for example. But the problem with that is you’ll wake up with lots of allergy symptoms.”

Along with closing your windows, Dr. Hong said showering before bed and keeping pets out of the bedroom will help reduce allergens as well.

If you find yourself still reaching for the tissue box, there are over-the-counter medicines you can try.

A nasal spray is good for congestion and sinus pressure, while an oral antihistamine relieves a runny nose or itching symptoms.

Dr. Hong said spring allergies also tend to irritate the eyes, and there are eye drops to address that.

If you don’t find any relief with these options, it may be time to see an allergist.

“If you're getting sick frequently, if you’re having shortness of breath and asthma symptoms, if your eczema is flaring up, if your allergies are just not being controlled and impacting your daily life, seeing an allergist can help,” Dr. Hong said.

Dr. Hong added that an allergist will identify exactly what you’re allergic to and come up with a treatment plan from there.