Breathe deep: How to avoid pollen

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Nasal allergies that are seasonal, meaning the sneezing comes during the spring, late summer, or fall, are most likely caused by pollens. Pollens are the male reproductive cells of seed plants that can be found virtually anywhere. Although it may seem impossible to escape them, there are ways a person can avoid exposure to these allergy-inducing pollens.

Monitoring your area’s pollen count can help you plan your activities when pollen in the atmosphere is small. Pollen count is particularly high in the mornings and on warm, dry, and windy days. The best times for outdoor activities are after 10AM, or after a rainfall.

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Pollen sticks to any material, particularly on the clothing and hair. Do not hang your clothes out to dry during times with high pollen count. Make sure to change clothes and wash your hair after coming from the outside, as pollens may be transferred to your pillow cases and bed sheets. Minimizing contact with objects that have frequent contact with pollen (like pets and people who are outdoors most of the time) can also lessen allergy attacks.

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It’s also best to visit a doctor to know which kind of pollen you are allergic to and what medication to get in case of an allergy attack. Following these tips will ensure you that allergies will not take control of your life, even with pollens.

Robert R. Beltran, M.D., is a California-based otolaryngologist specializing in allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. Learn more about how to avoid and manage allergies by visiting this Facebook page.