Cook County Health Offers Tips for Keeping Pollen at Bay
Spring has arrived and so has allergy season. About 36 million American have seasonal allergies. Physicians at the Cook County Health say spring is a tough time for people with asthma and allergies.
When you are allergic to pollen, your immune system sees it as a foreign substance. This causes it to react and can cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, ears and mouth and watery and swelling eyes.
Here are some tips to control pollen in your home so when you return indoors, your exposure is reduced:
• Stay indoors whenever the pollen count is very high
• Keep doors and windows closed to keep pollen from entering
• Clean the air filters in your home
• Don't hang laundry outside
• Frequently bathe pets and keep them off furniture
• When coming in from outside, leave your shoes at the door
Track daily local pollen and mold spores counts at www.aaaai.org. Consider seeing an allergist to determine your allergy profile, so your avoidance strategies and medications can be optimized.