I am sure many of us are glad that the winter is slowly leaving the area. Soon it will be time for spring flowers and green grass everywhere. Along with spring comes seasonal allergies and sinus problems for many. So to many people, this time of year is bittersweet. A lot of us will have to deal with sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and itchy throats. But we don’t have to be miserable all season, the goal is to allow you to still enjoy plenty of time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather. Your Cicero Eye Doctor, Dr. Amy Walden & Associates has advice on how to control your seasonal allergies.

Did you know allergies can be seasonal or perennial?

If you have seasonal allergies, you will experience symptoms during the spring and fall mainly, but this is not limited to those seasons. You can still experience symptoms during the summer and sometimes even in the winter, they are just not as severe. Seasonal allergies occur when outdoor molds release their spores, pollen floats in the air, flowers bloom, weeds/ragweed pop up, trees bloom and many other plants start to grow.

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms:

• Itchy Nose
• Itchy Throat
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Itchy Eyes
• Watery Eyes
• Red Eyes
• Sore Throat
• Running Nose
• Stuffy Nose

Perennial allergies can occur all year and last year-round. These allergies flare up due to house dust, mold and fungal spores, fibers in many fabrics, pet dander, dust mites and bites of insects. All of these substances are in the home all year, therefore depending on how much time you spend indoors, you can have flare-ups a lot of more in the winter when you tend to be inside more often.

Common Perennial Allergy Symptoms:

• Chronically Stuffy Nose
• Itchy Nose
• Itchy Roof of Your Mouth
• Sneezing
• Sinus Infections can occur
• Red Eyes
• Ear Infections can occur

Tips from your Cicero Eye Doctor On How To Maintain Allergy Symptoms

Don’t let allergens ruin your life. There are plenty of ways to maintain them or prevent them from occurring. Here are some tips for both seasonal and perennial allergens. Following these tips can help or eliminate the symptoms of allergies and help you enjoy life again.

Prevention of Seasonal Allergies

• Don’t open your car or home windows
• Avoid going outside for long periods during mid-morning, early evening or during windy days
• Wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes
• Leave your shoes at the door so they do not track in allergens
• Wash your hair before bed
• Give your pets frequent baths to wash off allergens from the outdoors
• Avoid heavy yard work or wear a face mask
• Change your clothes if you are outside for long periods of time
• Service the air filters in your home
• Use Air conditioners

Prevention of Perennial Allergens

• Clean the house frequently, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, etc.
• Wash bedding and blankets in hot water
• Clean or remove items that collect dust
• Steam clean furniture or vacuum periodically
• Use HEPA vacuums and filters
• Use blinds instead of curtains
• Replace carpeting or steam clean
• Use Dehumidifiers
• Use synthetic-fiber pillows
• Keep pets off the furniture
• Give your pets baths frequently

Contact Your Cicero Eye Doctor For More Allergy Tips

When symptoms do begin, it is best to have remedies to help aid in the way that you feel. There are many over the counter medicines that can assist when you are having allergy issues. Oral and nasal spray medicines can be used to prevent symptoms from occurring. However, it is important to discuss the benefits and risks before using these with your doctor.

Placing a cool cloth over your eyes can help alleviate the pain that occurs with itchy or watery eyes. You can also use a saltwater nose rinse to clean your nose. This helps clear out pollen and other irritantsEye drops can also be used, contact your Cicero Eye Doctor, Dr. Amy Walden & Associates so they can suggest the best eye drops for you. Whichever solution works best for you is dependent on the severity of your allergies. Contact your doctor for other symptoms and steps in help with the prevention and management. Good luck with your allergies this season!