Sneezing, congestion and itchy, watery red eyes - seasonal allergies just won't quit. So why are you experiencing such bad symptoms? A single ragweed plant can release up to one million pollen grains per day. Inhaled, they wreak macro-havoc for millions and they're tough to dodge. This light, dry pollen can breeze along for distances up to 400 miles!
But don't grab that antihistamine yet. It's tough, but not impossible, to avoid the pollen that triggers your symptoms. Avoidance is your first line of defense, so try these steps to prevent an allergy outbreak:
- Know when pollen is at its worst. In general, daytime pollen levels are highest between 10:00am and 5:00pm, especially when it's dry, warm and breezy. Knowing the pollen count for your area keeps you a step ahead of the sneezes.
- Stop pollen at the door. Ragweed pollen - those spiked, air-borne sneeze-balls - stage home invasions by clinging to your clothes, shoes, hair, skin and even your pet's fur. Change clothes when you come indoors. Take a shower and wash your hair. Wipe down or brush off any outdoor pets before letting them inside.
If these steps to avoid allergens aren't enough, don't sit around and self-diagnose. Work with your doctor or allergist to determine triggers, find relief and then come back and read this again.
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