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Allergy Season Relief in Ferdinand and French Lick

For most people, the arrival of spring is met with anticipation and enthusiasm. Even if there is still snow on the ground and a chill in the air, there is a sense of optimism as we count down the days until March 20^th.

But for those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies, the change of season is anything but welcome. Instead of admiring the blossoming trees and enjoying the smell of freshly cut grass, we muddle through our days as pollen and other irritants attack from all angles.

And while antihistamines and decongestants can help temporarily relieve allergy symptoms, your best defense is a good offense. So here are some tips for nipping that scratchy throat, stuffed up nose, and watery eyes in the bud.

• Get familiar with your allergy triggers. If the thought of ragweed is enough to make your eyes itch, find out when it starts in your area.

• Ask your doctor or allergist when you should begin your allergy medication. Most recommend starting a few weeks before allergy season actually hits.

• Avoid foods that can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms, such as beer and wine, corn, celery, and spicy food. Instead, add in fruit and vegetables that are high in anti-oxidants, like red grapes.

• Wear a filter mask while working outdoors, or vacuuming and dusting indoors.

• Keep your indoor air as free of allergens as possible by replacing your HVAC filters once a month.

• Add plants that help improve indoor air quality, such as the ficus, bamboo palm, and peace lily. Just be sure to keep poisonous plants out of reach of pets and children.

• Keep windows and doors closed, especially during midday and afternoon hours when pollen counts tend to be higher.

• Keep your nasal passages moisturized and help break up mucous with a saline nasal spray.

• Shower or bathe at night to remove pollen and other allergens that have attached to your skin and hair throughout the day.

Spring is also an excellent time – in fact, the BEST time – to have your air conditioning system professionally cleaned and inspected by the home comfort pros at Messmer Mechanical. Ours is a multi-step process that provides a host of benefits in addition to helping clean up your indoor air. Click here to learn more.