The first sunny days of the year inaugurate the season of outdoor family fun, BBQs, and picnics. However, Spring opens the door to another, less exciting visitor: pollen allergy. While not dangerous in most cases, seasonal allergy also known as allergic rhinitis can ruin your days outdoors and stop you and your family from enjoying the good weather. It might just be a little annoyance, but there are easy steps that you can take to ensure the wellbeing of your kids all year round!
Some precautions can help
Allergic rhinitis, also known as Hay Fever, affects up to 30% of adults and 40% of children worldwide from the beginning of Spring until late summer. It might not be overly threatening, but it is a nuisance! Taking precautions can help you manage this condition from the get-go.
Some things to keep in mind are:
- Avoid going outside on a windy day
- If you have been out, wash your hair before going to bed. This easy trick can guarantee you a better night’s sleep!
- Swap your clothes as soon as you return to your house and take a shower to reduce the pollen on your skin
- Avoid hanging the laundry to dry in your garden during these months
- Keep your windows shut as much as possible!
- Keep your medicine cabinet restocked with essential antihistamines and nasal sprays like enovid to stay protected against viruses
Check the air quality of your home
You might not be able to notice them, but pollen, dust mites, and pet dander tend to stick around your home for a long time! Home air inspections can be pricey, but there are some tricks you can use to better the air quality without facing exorbitant bills. For example, investing in a hypoallergenic mattress and pillows or a humidifier can help you enjoy better indoor air quality.
Can carpets be the culprits?
The short answer is yes; dirty carpets can worsen the symptoms of allergy and asthma. That’s because they are a trap for dust, dirt, soiling, and even pollen that we bring in our house every day.
Yet, rugs and tapestry are a beautiful addition to any home, and you might not be so happy about removing them. Luckily, cleaning your carpet regularly and methodically can help you keep its contaminants at bay throughout the year! Alternatively, you could opt to invest in an easy-to-clean and stylish carpet flooring solution that still adds texture to your living room without compromising the health of your family.
Track pollen counts before a trip outside
Not two days are the same during Spring! Temperatures can swing, as well as pollen levels in the air. Tracking them can give you an indication of how successful your trip outside will be. The best way to know how much pollen will be in the air in the next days is to check the forecast on local newspapers and TV. If that day is also estimated to be windy, you can opt to take medicines in advance. Closing your home’s windows and avoiding outdoor activities can help you manage the symptoms and reactions to pollen.
Your diet can make a difference
It is not all about the external environment! The foods you and your family eat can make a difference in the frequency and intensity of allergic reactions such as blocked nose and asthma. The Mediterranean Diet, thanks to its low content of refined wheat, sugars, and processed foods, can ease the body’s reaction to pollen. Clean eating also has several side benefits such as weight loss, antioxidants level increase, inflammation reduction, and promoting a more robust immune system. These factors actively contribute to healthier living, even when the air seems filled by pollen!
Enjoy your garden instead!
No doubt, spending time with your kids outdoor is essential for the happiness and health of the whole family. However, if going to the park seems like an impossible mission, opt for playtime in your garden instead. While pollen does travel far, most of this substance only derives from a handful of plant species. Your garden flower and house plants, however, are generally safe. However, try to spend an hour in the garden and test the water before planning an all-day-long BBQ!
Bottom Line
Just because in most cases, a seasonal allergy is not dangerous it does not mean it is not an annoyance! Keeping the hygiene levels of your house, clothes, and garden in check can help you deal with the condition that affects millions of people around the world. By getting you and your kids ready in advance, you enjoy your Spring days at their fullest.
