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The Commonwealth at York

Spring is famous for longer days, warmer weather and flowers in bloom. For allergy sufferers, it also means several months of uncomfortable allergy symptoms that can make life challenging.

Living in Coastal Virginia means being surrounded by beautiful bodies of water and lush, natural landscapes in every direction. Rather than let allergy symptoms hold you back from enjoying the beauty of the outdoors this season, try making adjustments to your lifestyle to reduce their impact on your life.

Whether it’s checking in with your doctor, switching up your antihistamines or simply moving your workouts from the late afternoon to the early morning, there are things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms and give you relief.

Here are 5 simple tips for allergy sufferers this spring.

Check In With Your Doctor
If you don’t typically suffer from allergies or you find that your symptoms are worse this year than ever before, it’s probably a good idea to check in with your doctor. Allergy symptoms like runny nose, cough, sneezing and fatigue can also be attributed to viruses and the common cold. If you find that your symptoms come and go, or if they last longer than 2 weeks and are not accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, it’s likely you have allergies. You’ll want to make sure you and your doctor are on the same page on treatment options, so give them a call and check in.

Drugstore Relief
Most allergy symptoms can be treated with over the counter antihistamines or nasal spray. You may even find that investing in a HEPA grade air purifier or humidifier can help to clear your sinuses and help you breathe easier. You may need to try out a few different antihistamines to find the right one for your metabolism, or consult your doctor for prescription strength medication to help target your specific needs.

Shower Before Bed
An easy way to reduce your allergy symptoms is to keep pollen out of your home and off your body. At the end of the day, rinse off with a hot shower, and toss your clothing and outerwear items into the hamper or directly into a hot wash. The more you prevent allergens from making their way into your home, bedding and ultimately nasal passages, the better you’ll feel.

Close Your Windows
It can be hard not to throw your windows open in spring and welcome in the sounds and smells of the new season. But if you suffer from seasonal allergies, it’s best to throw your curtains open but keep the windows securely closed. Pollen can be tracked in through numerous routes in spring, and just one way is by being blown in through your screens or open windows. Keep them closed and keep pollen out for better breathing.

Bring Your Workout Indoors
We know that warmer weather beckons you to head outdoors for a jog, bike ride or long walks with friends. Pollen counts tend to be highest in the afternoon, so avoid heading out for fresh air then. Check pollen counts in the morning when you wake up, and on days when the count is high, choose to bring your exercise routine indoors. If you must workout outside, try to do so early in the morning to get the best air quality possible.