Managing Grass Pollen Allergies
Allergies to grass pollen are among the most common types of allergies that people have. Depending on where you live, grasses pollinate during the late months of spring or early summer. During this period of time, you may suffer allergy symptoms that can make you feel miserable. It is possible to manage your grass pollen allergy when the pollen counts are high by following these 10 steps.
Step 1: Limit the time you spend outdoors
On days when the pollen count is very high outside, you can prevent an allergic response by remaining indoors. You can check the pollen count each day on your local television news program, and plan activities inside when the count will be high.
Step 2: Keep your grass short
Keeping your grass short can help to minimize the amount of pollen that the grasses release in your yard. If your allergy to grass pollen is severe, consider hiring somebody else to mow your lawn regularly. Make certain to keep your windows closed while your lawn is being mowed.
Step 3: Keep the windows of your house closed
It is a good idea to use your central air conditioning system to keep things cool indoors instead of opening your windows. This can help to limit the amount of pollen that makes it inside of your home.
Step 4: Bathe daily
Pollen can cling to your hair, your skin and your clothing. Make sure to bathe every evening to remove any pollen that may be on your skin and hair, and place your dirty clothing in a hamper until you can wash it. This can help to keep pollen from making it into your bed linens.
Step 5: Do laundry weekly
Make certain to wash your bedding every week to remove pollen. You should wash it on the hot setting so that more pollen is removed.
Step 6: Wear protection outside
When you have to go outside, make certain that you are protected from pollen. Make certain to wear sunglasses to keep grass pollen out of your eyes and a hat to keep it out of your hair.
Step 7: Change your clothing
After you have been outside, change your clothes when you go back inside. Keep them sealed in a laundry hamper until you can do your laundry. When you are outside, make certain to wear long pants.
Step 8: Use a clothes dryer
While you may love the fresh scent of line-dried clothes, clothing that is dried on a clothesline picks up pollen. You should instead dry your clothing in a clothes dryer to help to prevent allergy symptoms.
Step 9: Reduce pollen on your pets
If you have pets that go outside such as a dog, have a towel handy by the door and use it to wipe your pet off before allowing it to come back inside. You should also bar your pets from your bedroom and your bed. Your pet may have his or hers favorite toy they play with outside all the time. Make sure the rubber dog toy is wiped clean or washed before bringing it back inside.
Step 10: Keep your floors clean
Before you enter your home, make certain to wipe off your shoes. You should also vacuum your carpets and sweep your floors at least once per week.
Grass pollen allergies can be miserable during the late spring and early summer months. If you follow these 10 steps, you may be able to manage your symptoms so that you are more comfortable. For additional help with grass pollen allergies, talk to your doctor about other options that you might have.