With the first few days of daylight-savings time behind us, we are finally turning a corner from winter to spring in the Midwest. While that might be true with the amount of daylight we receive, we aren’t quite done with winter yet, nor the allergies that follow these major swings in temperature and humidity.
Why Do Some People Experience Seasonal Allergies?
From an itchy throat and dry mouth in the winter to watery eyes and a runny nose in the spring, seasonal allergies vary from person to person and season to season. According to the American College Of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, seasonal allergies are when the body’s immune system reacts to flora or pollen in the environment. Some of the most common allergens that people respond to include but are not limited to ragweed, mold, grass, and dust.
Temperature and humidity can also cause the body’s immune system to have an allergic response, especially if there is a dramatic increase or decrease over the course of a few days. When paired with spring allergens like mold and pollen, these swings in temperature and humidity can create a “perfect storm”-like environment for winter and spring allergy sufferers alike.
Reducing Your Allergy Symptoms
Rather than brace for the impact of your late-winter, early-spring allergies, there are several things you can do to minimize your seasonal allergies right now. Our experts have gathered just a few tips that you can use to battle seasonal allergies before they begin:
- Know Your Triggers – Allergy tests have become quite popular over the last decade because people want to know what foods and environmental factors their bodies are sensitive to. Determining what causes your immune system to overreact can help you avoid allergic reactions, sinus infections, and other unpleasant symptoms.
- Take Allergy Medication – There are several generic and over-the-counter medications, topical ointments, and sprays that can help curb your seasonal allergy reactions. It’s also important for you to consult your doctor or a pharmacist before you consume or apply any of these medications. Annual allergy shots might also offer a significant amount of relief for individuals that face severe reactions.
- Wear A Mask Outdoors During The Peak Of Each Season – While masks do an excellent job of protecting you from viruses and respiratory infections, they’ve also been proven to decrease your body’s seasonal allergy response. Pollen particles are much larger than most virus particles, which means they will have a more difficult time reaching your airways if you wear a mask. Unfortunately, this study doesn’t apply to those whose eyes become irritated due to seasonal allergies. Spending more time indoors can also help reduce your reactions as the weather changes.
- Keep Your Windows Shut And Properly Sealed – As tempting as it can be to leave the windows open and let fresh air into your home, it can do more harm than good to allergy sufferers. Keeping your windows and doors closed and properly sealed will minimize the amount of allergens that can enter your home.
- Change Your HVAC Filter – Not only will this task protect your home’s heating and cooling system from particles that could clog and damage your system, but it will also protect your sinuses. Those who face severe allergies each spring should consider purchasing a HEPA filter to decrease their exposure to pollen, mold, grass, and indoor allergens like dust mites.
- Install A Whole Home Humidifier – While our thermostat can somewhat control the humidity levels inside our home, adding a humidifier can only increase the comfort of your indoor air. It helps your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently and adds moisture to the air, alleviating dry skin, eyes, and sinuses.
Schedule Spring Maintenance With Classic Aire Care Now
With temperatures slowly rising across the region, it will be time to turn on your air conditioning system soon. The HVAC team with Classic Aire Care is always ready to help you with your heating and cooling needs. From the moment our technicians arrive at your home, we will act efficiently, precisely, and professionally to ensure your system is clean and ready to go for the sweltering summer months ahead.
Contact our team today to make your appointment for air conditioner maintenance in St. Louis, MO.
