As April marches on, it’s finally time to think about packing away our winter coats, snow boots, and ice scrapers. But with warm weather comes blooming plants and the dread of allergy season.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 8% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. If allergy medications aren’t your first choice, keep reading for some other tips on relieving allergy symptoms naturally.

Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast
Regardless of where you get your weather report, most weather reporting services feature a section on pollen count and are able to predict the pollen count of the upcoming week. Typically, the early spring and windy days are worse for pollen-related allergies.

One solution is to stay indoors and keep your windows closed on these days to ease allergy symptoms. On the flipside, going outside or opening your windows right after a rain shower tends to be best for allergy-sufferers, as pollen is washed away by the rain.

If this isn’t feasible for you, consider limiting yard work (such as pulling weeds and cutting grass) to the day after a rainstorm when pollen levels are likely to be lowest. You can also wear a face mask while outside to avoid breathing in some of those pollen particles.

Change Your Clothes
Pollen can stick to your clothes, as well. If you suffer from allergies, it’s important to change out of your outerwear as soon as you get home. By wearing the same jacket or long-sleeve shirt inside and out, pollen moves into your house and can become embedded in carpet, couches, pillows, blankets, and other soft materials.

When it’s warm enough to wear just a sweatshirt outside, it can be easy to forget to take it off once you’re inside. Try adding a small basket to your entry way as a reminder or leave a note on your door reminding you to change.

Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers
Another great tool that can help your breathing at any time of year is a HEPA filter system. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can reduce up to 99.97% of pollen, dust, and pet dander in your home.

A dehumidifier may be a good solution too. By removing moisture from the air, dehumidifiers limit the growth of mold and mildew that can make seasonal allergy symptoms even worse. The best part? Both HEPA filters and dehumidifiers can be found at your local supermarkets, general merchandise stores (such as Target and Walmart), or online.

Neti Pot
A 2012 study of saline nasal irrigation systems (commonly referred to as neti pots), were beneficial for both children and adults suffering from hay fever. The system works by flushing out the nasal passages to ensure pollen isn’t stuck on the membrane of your nasal passages.

Over the Counter Medications
Being aware of allergy triggers can help mitigate those nasty headaches and stuffy noses without the use of medications, but sometime over-the-counter medications are necessary. When shopping for the best antihistamine for your body, it may take a few attempts to find your preferred medication – which can be expensive. Try using GoodRx or PharmacyChecker to find the best prices and coupons.

Want to learn about more ways to prevent seasonal allergies? Check out these articles and talk to your primary care physician about the best option for you:
https://sedera.com/seasonal-allergies/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-allergy-remedies-89245