By Guest,
Allergens are everywhere and always make people sneeze, get itchy eyes, and leave them feeling miserable. There is no specific time that your allergies might get worse as it all depends on where you live. This is why what might affect one person may have no effect on another. More than 50 million people in the US struggle with allergies at some time of the year. There are some months that are considered worst for allergies in the US.
The start of the year is usually the allergy season. This is during the winter and early spring seasons. It is the time grass starts to grow in length, releasing pollen all over. People who are allergic to pollen will suffer greatly during this period.
During the late spring and early summer, the tree pollen season is at its peak in some places like the US southern tier. This pollen heads north as the grass starts to flower. By Memorial Day, pollen tends to fill the air, leading to more allergies. As summer sets in, grass tends to go dry, giving a break to people with allergies. However, this is not the best season for those allergic to dust as the wind will pick up dirt from the dried fields spreading dust everywhere.
During the late summer and fall, a new and fresh allergen, ragweed, comes. This flowering plant is actually known as the leading allergen with most people being allergic to it. It starts to pop at the end of July and since it thrives in hot and humid areas, people living in such areas suffer greatly from allergies.
As fall frost comes, ragweed season comes to an end too as it cannot withstand the low temperatures. However, with cooler weathers comes the onset of another grass season. Since days tend to be shorter in this season, the length of the grass is limited, leading to a short dormancy just before November. The Christmas season is a blessing to all US citizens as there are few allergens outdoors. However, as the New Year comes in, the cycle repeats itself.
Preparing for Allergy Season
First, you need to know what triggers your allergies. Then, reduce your exposure to those triggers; remember they can also be found inside your home. If the allergens are found indoors, ensure you thoroughly clean your home. People who get symptoms throughout the year or whose allergies become severe while indoors may be allergic to pet dander and dust mites.
If you have been suffering from seasonal allergies, you should figure out which kind of medicine helps you arrest them and have it at home to use whenever the allergies kick in. taking such medicine before the allergy season peaks will help mitigate symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, as well as an itchy nose.
Allergies might leave you feeling like the outdoor exercises do more harm to your health than good. You are supposed to benefit from exercises not suffer as everyone needs to exercise regularly for good health.
Whether you have allergies or not, you should be able to enjoy the fresh outdoor as you exercise. What matters is that you get the correct medication for your allergies and take great precaution while outdoors. The key is to get prepared. Below are some useful tips.
Check your calendar
It is easy to predict pollen seasons though they may vary in few days. If you know what kind of allergen triggers your allergies, find out when its season starts. Knowing when a certain allergen will be in the season will help you get prepared beforehand. Before the pollen starts to fill the air, get yourself allergy medication, which you can even start taking.
Check the Weather
You can find all the information about pollen level in your area from the internet. Whenever you find out that pollen count will be high in your area, it is safe to stay indoors. Generally, the pollen count is high during warm and windy mornings and low on rainy and cool days. With this information, you can schedule when to exercise outdoors without the risk of getting allergies.
Do not forget to look out for levels of ozone, as well as other pollutants since they are also common allergens. Vehicle exhausts can also trigger allergies for those living in cities or exercise in busy roads.
Pollutants are not the only problem; pollen can also get attached to diesel particles that vehicles emit, making the allergens even more harmful and potent.
Sometimes, Go for Less Intense Activities
If you realize that pollution level or pollen count is high, forgo your usual jogging or biking and go for a less intense exercise. The logic behind this is that the faster you breathe, the more allergens you inhale. Go for stretching exercises, weight training, and yoga. These will yield the same effects as the more intense exercises without heightening your allergy symptoms.
Choose the Right Time of Day
Exercising early in the morning or late in the evening might be ideal as most pollen levels are at their peak around noon and early afternoon. However, during the pollen season, you will always find pollen in the air regardless of the time of day.
Bundle Up in the Cold
Cold weather tends to be the common trigger for people suffering from allergies and sensitive airways. If you are exercising outdoors while the weather is cold, ensure you cover your mouth and nose using a scarf to warm up the air before it gets into your lungs.
Protect Your Eyes and Lungs
Some people use a scarf to cover their noses and mouth to keep pollen from getting in their lungs. Another great way to keep allergens and irritants from getting into your eyes includes wearing goggles.
Change Your Clothes and Shower after Outdoor Exercises
During the pollen season, it is likely that your clothes and hair will be covered in pollen. This is the reason you should shower as soon as you get home. Throw your clothes in the laundry too. Showering will remove any pollen left on your skin as well as hair. Although being outside will have pollen all over your nasal membrane through breathing, showering and washing your clothes will protect your family members who might also have allergies.
Since allergies can get severe with exposure to allergens, following the above tips at all times will help you keep them at bay. Should you need assistance, Dr. Samuel S. Becker, allergy specialist located in Philadelphia is your best option. They can be contacted at https://www.beckerent.com.
