Tips to help prepare for spring for allergy sufferers
Get Set for Allergy Season
Spring has almost sprung and while for some it’s time to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days, for those who suffer from allergies it signals the beginning of sneezing and sniffing your way through yet another season.
You can feel it in the air — spring allergies are fast approaching. With the changing of the seasons comes an increase of pollen in the environment, which means a lot of people are going to be reaching for a box of tissues.
Pollen, when breathed in, can trigger asthma symptoms such as breathlessness, even in people who do not have asthma. 1 in 9 Australians have asthma – around 2.5 million and each year, about 10,000 people are admitted to NSW hospitals for treatment of asthma.
So, what’s the best way to avoid allergy triggers and ensure you and your family are sneeze-free?
We’ve got some handy tips to help limit your sneezing and improve your sleep here:
Spring clean your home and your mattress
Creating a healthy home can help you and your family breathe cleaner, fresher air and hopefully reduce allergic reactions or allergy-related asthma episodes. Make sure you vacuum household areas often and wipe down surface areas with natural solutions to reduce allergens.
Shower at night
Showering before bed is a good way to prepare your body for rest and will also wash away the pollens that may have collected in your hair and skin during the day.
Keep your pet clean
If you are a pet owner it is a good idea to wash pets often as pollens may also settle in their fur. Also keep pets out of the bedroom to avoid allergy disturbance while you sleep.
Watch your cleaning products
Cleaning can be a problem for people with asthma and allergies, so look for household cleaning products with fewer harsh chemicals and no fragrances.
For more information click here
Get rid of mould
Exposure to indoor and outdoor areas that are damp and have mould can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Mould is commonly found in bathrooms and fridges. It’s also found in places with little air circulation such as walk-in and built-in wardrobes, and in bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Good ventilation and fixing any leaks can help reduce the impact of this common trigger.
Roll your windows up
Keep your car windows up when you’re driving. It’s tempting to roll the windows down to feel the breeze on a car ride, but during peak season, that breeze is loaded with allergens.
Get allergy tested
Your doctor can either offer you an allergy test, or refer you to a specialist. The most common allergy test is a skin test and can help to identify allergies.
Get a care plan
If you have asthma, spring is an important time to make sure you have an asthma action plan and are proactively managing your symptoms. People with asthma and hay fever, or people with hay fever experiencing asthma symptoms during pollen exposure should talk to their doctor about a management plan, before spring starts.
Our ‘high quality healthcare’ team is here to help you get on top of your asthma and allergies, book an appointment today and enjoy breathing easier this spring!
Resources:
Asthma Australia
Sensitive Choice
The above blog article provides general information on health related topics relevant at the time of publishing.
This content is not intended and should not be construed as specific medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker.
