There’s nothing worse than having to avoid outside activities on beautiful sunny days all because you suffer from pollen allergies. And because they are produced by flowers and trees in full bloom, there is a lot to miss out on.
Pollen allergies are the most common allergic reactions in the United States. Allergies currently affect between 10% and 30% of all adults and up to 40% of children. Unfortunately, I, too, am part of that 44%. If you’re like me, these allergies can be a pain, especially runny noses, scratchy throats, and watery eyes.
I wanted to share some tips with you to get rid of those allergy pains, as well as some of the signs that you may have an allergy.
Pollen Allergy Diagnosis
If you do deal with any of the symptoms mentioned before, then you may have a pollen allergy. Visit your doctor, and they will be able to diagnose you. Sometimes, doctors might even refer you to an allergist to confirm their diagnosis. Usually, if referred to an allergist, they will perform a skin prick test. This test uses small doses of different types of allergens and pricks you with them around your body. If any areas swell up, that helps signify to the doctor what you’re allergic to.
Allergy Treatment
The most obvious way to treat allergies is by avoiding them altogether, but you can’t stay cooped up in a bubble all day. It’s just not realistic. Instead, what you can do is just be mindful of the weather and keep track of pollen count. Staying indoors on dry, windy days can help you avoid being caught up in a pollen-pushed wind. And when pollen counts are high, it’s important to wear a dust mask to block out exposure. And don’t forget to shut those windows!
Now, if your work or lifestyle inhibits you from avoiding pollen, you may want to try some over-the-counter medications. There are antihistamines, such as Zyrtec and Benadryl, decongestants like Sudafed and Afrin nasal spray, and other medicines that combine both, such as Actifed and Claritin-D that you can try. While these are OTC, you should still consult with your doctor before purchasing any of these medications.
Simple Remedies
Now, if you like to keep it more natural, some home remedies exist that can help relieve some pollen allergy symptoms.
Saline Nasal Rinse: One solution is to rinse your nasal passages with saline before symptoms strike. If you spritz your nose at least once a day, it could wash away any pollen before it can affect you.
Local Honey: By consuming local honey, you are helping your body build a tolerance to local pollen. This will help reduce allergy symptoms over time. Always start with small amounts daily.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is a natural antihistamine and reduces your allergy symptoms. So, you want to incorporate vitamin C-rich foods in your diet like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Herbs: Butterbur has a great track record among herbs to clear pollen allergies. Some studies suggest it can be as effective for nasal symptoms as an antihistamine with no accompanying sleepiness.
As aforementioned, visiting your doctor is the quickest way to determine if you have a pollen allergy. However, if you don’t have health insurance, a skin prick test may be more than you’re willing to pay. Contact a licensed representative today to find an affordable health plan that enables you to get the healthcare you need.
Have Health Insurance Questions?
We hope that this information on avoiding pollen allergies is helpful for you.
Insurance is oftentimes overwhelming and we want to shed light on the industry by answering your questions. Comment below and your question may be the topic of our next post!
If you liked this article, share it with your friends!
Empower Brokerage wants to help you find the insurance coverage you need and help you save money getting it. Stay on top of your health and give us a call at (844) 410-1320.
Get affordable health insurance quotes by clicking here.
See our other websites: