In this episode of Live Life Better, host Nanette Wiser offers tips for dealing with seasonal allergies in Florida, both indoors and outside. Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, occur when your immune system reacts to airborne allergens like pollen, mistaking them for harmful invaders and causing your body to have an allergic reaction. Because allergies are often mistaken for the common cold, it’s important to know the differences so you can get the care you need. Allergic reactions may include coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus congestion, sneezing, tiredness and watery eyes. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your primary doctor.
COMMON ALLERGENS Since Florida has a subtropical climate, most flowers, grasses, weeds and trees grow year-round, resulting in potential allergens in the air for most of the year. Common outdoor allergens in Florida include air pollutants, dust mites, mold spores, weed pollen and indoors, common allergens are dirty air conditioning vents and filters, dust and pet dander. Spring Allergies (February to May) The most prominent allergen is tree pollen. April and May are considered the peak pollen season in Florida because, in addition to tree pollen in the air, flowers, weeds and grasses release their seeds and spores. That causes significantly higher pollen levels.
TIPS FOR MANAGING ALLERGIES
Avoid peak allergen times: Stay indoors during high pollen periods, especially in the mornings.
Check the pollen forecast: Use pollen trackers to monitor current pollen counts. If the pollen count is high, limit outdoor activities.
Keep indoor air clean: Use air purifiers and vacuums with HEPA filters and clean your HVAC filters once or twice a year.
Over-the-counter allergy treatment: If your seasonal allergies worsen at certain times of the year, consider taking over-the-counter allergy medications a few months before to allow them to build up in your system.
Stay hydrated: This helps to reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Talk to your primary care doctor: For some people, seasonal allergies can be severe and over-the-counter allergy medications may not be enough. Your physician, who can conduct tests to determine what you’re allergic to and prescribe medications and other advice to help ease symptoms.
Try nasal sprays: Talk to your doctor about whether a steroid, antihistamine or decongestant nasal spray is a viable treatment option for your allergy symptoms.
Wash it off: When coming inside after being outdoors, make sure to remove your clothing to be washed and take a shower to keep pollen from entering your home.
Wear a face mask: If you must be outside when pollen is high, wear a face mask to help protect your nasal passages.
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