Outdoor Allergy Symptoms, Triggers and Tips

Do your allergy symptoms tell you that spring is coming long before you see it on the calendar? Here are five simple tips and tricks to help keep reactions to outdoor allergy triggers under control.

1. Plan Outdoor Activities Around Pollen Levels

Check daily pollen counts and forecasts and try to stay indoors when pollen levels are highest (between 10AM and 4PM). Try to focus your time outdoors in the early morning.

2. The Weather

Weather conditions play a big role in the pollen count. Two simple tips to keep in mind –stay indoors when it’s windy and venture outside after a heavy rain shower once the pollen in the air has been washed away by Mother Nature.

3. Keep Allergens Out To Keep Your Home Clean

Use an air filter and keep your windows closed during the day. Use washable curtains and wash them often. Mop your floors regularly, and for carpets, use a vacuum with a high-efficacy particulate air (HEPA) filter to ensure that allergens are minimized.

If you’re suffering particularly badly from allergens, a good tip is to change your clothes, take a shower, wash your hair and throw your clothes into a laundry basket as soon as you get inside. This helps reduce the allergens you bring into your home. It’s also a good practice to shower before bed, keeping allergens out of your bedding.

4. Keep Your Furry Friends Groomed, Too

Pets can carry pollen and mould on their coats, so bathing and grooming can keep allergen levels down. If your pet enjoys time outdoors, keep him out of your bedroom to minimize allergens.

You can also minimise your pooch or cat’s shedding by grooming him regularly, especially as the seasons change. You should also brush him off as soon as he comes inside so that he doesn’t bring pollen into your home.

5. Track Your Allergens And Be Prepared

Keep an allergy diary is a great way to better understand your triggers. By keeping track of all your activities, including the time of day when symptoms occur and what helps lessen them you’ll be able to better understand your allergy symptoms so that know what pollen affects you and when.

This can also help your doctor identify your triggers and manage your symptoms.