Why Are Your Eyes So Red? Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Allergies

Published on August 26, 2016 03:56 PM

Fall leaves crunching underfoot, foggy mornings, and a fresh round of seasonal allergies-- knowing the triggers (and how to combat/avoid them) can help you or an allergy sufferer you care about breathe easy.

“Pollen is one of the most common triggers of ‘hay fever’, a.k.a. seasonal allergies. Most of the pollen that cause allergic reactions come from trees, weeds, and grasses and travel by wind,” said Kathleen Slonager, a registered nurse and executive director of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Michigan Chapter.

“Ragweed is a main cause of weed allergies, while mold allergies also come into play in the fall...There’s no cure for seasonal allergies, but there’s plenty of things a person can do to reduce their exposure and fight symptoms.”

Slonager offers the following suggestions for getting through fall seasonal allergies:

Check pollen levels before outdoor activities. Slonager suggested using a site such as www.pollen.com or www.weather.com.
Limit your outdoor activity on days with high pollen or mold counts.
Install a new cabin air filter to keep contaminants from entering through your vehicle’s climate control system.
Ask your service advisor to check the engine air filter, which can get clogged by fall contaminants. Soiled air filters can lower engine performance and reduce engine life.
On days with high pollen or mold counts, keep windows shut and use air-conditioning whenever possible.
Pollen and mold stick to your hair and body. Be sure to shower from head to toe before bed.
Take precaution. Wear a dust mask when working in the yard. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and digging around plants all stir potential irritants into the air.
Use a HEPA filter attachment. The filter (when attached to central air) collects pollen and mold spores found throughout the home. Freestanding air cleaners help, though they only filter the air in a limited area.
Consider over-the-counter (OTC) remedies: Steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines are also available without a prescription.
Frequent vacuuming with a HEPA filter. Don’t underestimate the benefit of regularly vacuuming the upholstery and carpeting, as routine vacuuming reduces allergens’ ability to settle into the fabric.
Wet and dry dusting. Dust easily clings to the center console and dashboard. Dusting removes particulates but also flings irritants into the air. Dusting with a wet cloth or cleansing wipe prevents more allergens from shuffling about the cabin.
Freshen up the interior. Avoid cleansers and air fresheners with non-organic materials. They irritate sensitive sinuses. Opt for “eco-friendly” and “clear and free” cleaners.
Visit the doctor: Allergic asthma can’t be treated with some over-the-counter products. Your doctor will know if you need a prescription or can recommend an alternative. If you have allergic asthma, talk to your doctor about which medicines may be best for you.
For a full list of tips and potential treatments for fall allergies, visit http://www.aafa.org/page/pollen-allergy.aspx.