Fall is the season for hayrides, pumpkins and back-to-school activities. But if you or someone in your family suffers from sneezing, a stuffy nose and itchy eyes during this time of year (without the fever and achiness of a cold), you may be dealing with a ragweed pollen allergy.
Follow these easy tips to lessen allergy symptoms so the whole family can enjoy the beautiful season.
Avoiding Exposure
Ragweed allergies, sometimes called “hayfever,” are among the most common. In fact, there are many ways to minimize suffering. Just like a steady rain during a single day can help rid the air of excess pollen, taking certain precautions can help minimize your exposure:
- Clear the air with an air conditioner, which not only filters but dries the air; just be sure you change the filter regularly.
- Limit outdoor activities on heavy-pollen days. Stay inside if possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when counts are highest. You can check daily pollen counts for your area by visiting AAAAI.org.
- Keep car windows closed when driving. Instead, use your car’s air conditioner to filter pollen from the air.
- Change your clothes after being outside so you don’t spread pollen around the house. Don’t hang clothes outside to dry.
- Take a shower before going to bed to remove any pollen from your hands, face and body that may have accumulated during the day.
- Pets can carry pollen indoors. If your pets roam outside, wipe them with a towel or hose them off before they come inside.
It’s also important to remember that if you have a ragweed allergy you also may have an allergic reaction to certain related foods including bananas, melons, cucumbers and zucchini.
