Handy ways to keep seasonal allergies at bay

Spring means flower buds and blooming trees – but if you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other annoying symptoms. With this in mind, here are a few ways you can nip your allergies in the bud and embrace the warmer weather.

Take extra precautions when pollen counts are high

Each spring, trees release billions of tiny pollen particles into the atmosphere. When you inhale them, these particles can trigger an allergic reaction. Staying inside can help, especially when it’s windy or early in the morning, when pollen counts are highest.

When you do go outside, wear glasses or sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. A cloth face mask (which is mandatory to wear in public anyway!) can help keep pollen from entering your nose and mouth.

Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothing when you go back inside. This will reduce the amount of residual pollen that may end up in your home.

When pollen counts are high, try to keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible.

Take allergy medicine

Keep an eye on the weather report. If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medicine before your symptoms start.

Allergy medicine can help adults and children with sniffles and a runny nose. Antihistamines, which block your body’s response to allergies, usually work in less than an hour. Remember to read the package carefully before taking any allergy medicine.

For more severe allergies, try a nasal spray. Since these can have side effects like burning, dryness, or nosebleeds, use the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.

Your doctor may recommend allergy shots if other medicines can’t relieve your symptoms. They contain a tiny amount of the pollen and will help your body build up resistance to it.

Take your workout indoors

If there’s a lot of pollen (or dust) in the air, switch things up and exchange your usual exercise routine for an indoor workout. If you’ve suffered from seasonal allergies for a long time, consider investing in a treadmill or other gym equipment that you can use at home. There are also loads of indoor workout videos available on YouTube and other social media platforms.

Give your home an ‘air lift’

Simple changes make a difference. Shut all windows to keep out pollen. Use an air conditioner to cool your home instead of a fan, which draws in air from outside.

The LG ArtCool air conditioner has an ionizer that will go a long way to improving the air quality in your home. Over 3 million lons sterilize not o‌nly the air going through the air conditioner, but also harmful substances and odours surrounding the unit. The ionizer has been proven to sterilize over 99% of adhering bacteria within 60 minutes.

This air conditioner also has a Micro Dust Filter to capture and eliminate harmful micro-particles, including bacteria and dust, in order to provide a cleaner, healthier environment.

Clean floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These filters trap 99.97% of microscopic particles in the air. And don’t line-dry clothes or sheets in warmer weather! They’ll collect pollen while they hang outside.

Finally, remember that smoking can make allergy symptoms worse. If you or someone you live with smokes, now is a good time to quit.

This year, instead of just spring cleaning your home, take some positive steps to spring clean your health.