National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: How to Manage Allergies

Allergy season is upon us, and with May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, there are many things you can do to help you manage. With a few helpful tips, you can more easily avoid the annoying, persistent symptoms caused by allergies.

Do you have allergies?

First, it’s important to know whether you’re suffering from allergies. Some common signs and symptoms of allergies include:

• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Watery, itchy, or red eyes
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Coughing
• Scratchy throat
• Itchy nose or roof of mouth
• Swollen or blue skin discoloration below the eyes
• Postnasal drip

Common allergy triggers

There are certain seasonal factors that typically trigger an allergy attack. These include:

• Tree pollen
• Grass pollen
• Ragweed pollen
• Dust mites, cockroaches and dander from pets
• Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds

Preparing for allergy season

See your primary care doctor or allergist before allergies start

Don’t wait until allergies hit to take action. Make sure to visit an allergist prior to when your allergies usually begin. Recommended allergy medications should be taken early in the season, before pollen peaks.

Reduce exposure to allergy triggers

To reduce your exposure to allergens:

• Try to stay indoors on windy days
• Delegate tasks that can stir up allergens, like lawn mowing and weed pulling
• Remove clothes and shower immediately after being outside, to remove any allergens from your body
• Avoid drying laundry outside
• Wear a mask or bandana over your nose and mouth if you do outside chores

Reduce allergy triggers at home

Allergens aren’t always found outside. They can also gather in your home. It’s impossible to eliminate all allergens from your home, but to help keep indoor air cleaner:

• Use high-efficiency filters and keep up on regular maintenance of your HVAC unit
• Try using a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter while you sleep
• Clean the floors regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum
• Keep doors and windows shut at all times when pollen counts are high

If you’re ready for relief from your persistent, annoying allergies, the physicians at Pomona Valley Health Centers can help. Call 909-630-7888 today to schedule an appointment.