Spring in Pennsylvania separates people into two categories: those who greet the arrival of fresh, new grasses and flowers with joy and enthusiasm, and those who dread the inconvenient and at times downright incapacitating allergies that can be brought on by springtime's blooming. Spring is a time for renewal, but for allergy sufferers, it's a time for perpetually sneezing, rubbing itchy eyes, swallowing to relieve the sore feeling in your throat, or feeling constantly on the verge of the flu. What causes spring allergies? And can they be conquered?
Spring Allergy Culprits:
- Mold: It's always present, both indoors and outdoors, but mold's effects on allergy sufferers are significantly worse in the spring, because that's when molds release their seeds-known as spores-and send them off into the air. In the springtime, these spores are omnipresent, and those who are sensitive to them suffer such symptoms as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
- Trees: Like mold, trees release small cells of pollen, which the gentle breezes of spring carry through the air and distribute everywhere. This tree pollen triggers what is commonly known as "hay fever." Trees such as oaks, poplar, hickory, walnut, and ash are just a few of the most notorious offenders. Their pollen can bring on congestion and an itchy feeling in the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
- Flowers: As if to prove that painful things come in pretty packages, flowers produce pollen that can overwhelm allergy sufferers. Some blooms, however, are worse than others: chamomile, daisies, goldenrod, and chrysanthemums are definitely to be avoided by those with seasonal allergies.
Conquering Spring Allergies:
- Install Filters: Did you know that you could install special allergy filters on your air conditioning unit? Doing so will help your indoor environment feel much more comfortable.
- Close 'Em Up: Keeping your doors and windows shut will lessen allergy symptoms when you're in the house. And don't forget about driving! Roll up your car windows when you're out for a cruise on a sunny springtime day.
- Keep Clean: Washing all of your clothes and showering after any exposure to pollen and mold spores will help to minimize allergy symptoms.
- Stay Indoors: Obviously, you don't want to spend all of spring like a shut-in, but it might be prudent to stay inside on days when pollen counts are especially high. Save your outdoor fun, and your yard work, for damp, still, and cloudy days when the wind won't blow spores and the moisture will keep them weighed down.
- Use Medication There are many over-the-counter allergy remedies available. If these prove ineffective, talk to your doctor about prescribing a medication that is more tailored to your symptoms, and more powerful. Your health insurance policy may even cover doctor visits and allergy prescriptions
For questions about your health insurance policy and allergies, Contact Richard B. Ryon Insurance today.