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Spring and summer bring so many activities to enjoy outdoors! Time is spent entertaining friends and family, barbecuing on the back deck and tending to flower and vegetable gardens.

But time spent outdoors can be limited if you’re an allergy sufferer. Follow our five tips below to ensure that allergies don’t keep you from enjoying the outdoors this season!

1. Know Your Allergies and Learn How to Avoid Them

The number one way to avoid seasonal allergies is to know what they are so that you can avoid them whenever possible.

What are the best ways to find out what your allergies are? Have your doctor complete an allergy skin test to see which common allergens you’re sensitive to. A pollen counter can then be used to track which allergens are most active around where you live

“Priming” is when indoor allergens get worse when outdoor allergens appear. If you are allergic to dust mites, mould spores or your pets, using air filters in your home can reduce your symptoms.

2. Limit Exposure to the Outdoors

Early and mid-morning are the worst times to be outside during allergy season, so spend time outdoors later in the day if possible. Remove your shoes outside and keep your pets bathed to help stop the spread of allergens inside.

Keep pollen out of your home by keeping your home’s doors and windows closed – even if you have screens. When using your home’s air conditioning system, be sure your HVAC system has been regularly cleaned.

Purchasing an air purifier and humidifier are other great options to explore.

3. Pre-Treat Your Allergies

Keep ahead of an allergy outbreak by predicting when an allergic reaction will occur. By taking medication in advance of a possible outbreak, allergies can be blocked before they even begin. This is a more effective way of dealing with allergy symptoms rather than waiting for them to appear.

4. Change Your Diet

Consuming certain kinds of foods can increase your immune system to help counteract pollen season. Consider eating foods that are rich in probiotics, vitamin D, omega-3 acids and antioxidants.

Besides modifying your diet, keeping hydrated can help allergy sufferers cope through allergy season. Water helps cut down the inflammatory response to allergens, much the same way that installing a humidifier does, too.

5. Visit Your Medical Professionals

Both your family doctor and your pharmacy team should be consulted to help you find relief this allergy season.

There are a wide variety of over-the-counter allergy medications including antihistamines, a neti pot or nasal sprays that are available to help you combat your allergy symptoms.

Need something stronger? Medications such as prescription nasal sprays can be prescribed by your family doctor to help reduce extreme allergy symptoms. 

It can be difficult to know what will work best for your specific allergy symptoms, so it’s best to consult with a trusted pharmacy team. With years of experience, pharmacists are the best resource when it comes to allergy season! Contact the friendly team at Brant Arts IDA Pharmacy today to learn more about allergy relief today.