It’s Springtime Louisville! And for what feels like the millionth year in a row, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has named Louisville the #2 worst city for allergies in 2018.
According to the AAFA nearly 40% of children and 30% of adults are allergy sufferers, for these people, allergy season can seem like a lifetime of never ending symptoms. This year, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 tips for beating allergy season.
1. Avoid Allergens When Possible
This one seems obvious but it is worth stating. Whenever possible you should avoid your known allergens. Now obviously you can’t avoid trees or grass all summer, but if you’re allergic to cats, you can try to stay away from your Aunt Cheryl’s house and her 5 kittens.
2. Be Aware of Wind and Pollen Levels
Wind and pollen levels are the easiest way to tell if you’re going to have a bad allergy day. Days with a high pollen count mean that the air has more particles in the air, and more things to make you sneeze. High winds means that those particles are going to be flying farther that normal. Being aware of both of these things means that you can know, before walking out the door, how bad your allergies might be today. Apps like The Weather Channel have pollen counts and most news stations will let you know of high allergy and asthma days with the morning weather. Always check before heading out of the house so you can take the necessary precautions.
3. Spring Cleaning
Yep, it’s spring, which means spring cleaning, but the good news is that spring cleaning can drastically reduce your indoor allergy symptoms. By doing a deep, thorough cleaning at the beginning of allergy season you can rid your home of allergens that have been staying warm and cozy with you all winter.
4. Take Off Your Shoes
Now that your house in clean, you can avoid tracking in more allergens by taking off your shoes at the door. Not only will this keep your house clean from visible dirt, but it will also keep all those allergens at the door as well. If you’re the type of person who always wears shoes, try a pair of comfy house shoes or tennis shoes that are for indoor use only. This can really help minimize the effects of your allergies while hanging out inside.
5. Change Your Air Filters
Air filters are designed to catch dirt from the air. Changing your air filter regularly helps make sure you are filtering out as much dirt as possible. If your allergies are severe, you can get special air filters that can help with allergies and asthma. Using your AC when indoors this year can also help filter allergens from the air. The cleaner the air you’re breathing, the less severe your allergies will be.
BONUS: Talk With Your Doc
If you haven’t already talked with your doctor it is definitely a good idea. Not only can they prescribe you allergy medicine that may work better than an over the counter medicine, they can also run an allergy test if they feel it is necessary. This helps identify EXACTLY what you are allergic to. In some cases your Primary Care Physician may recommend another course of treatment to help your immune system become resistant to an allergen.