After one of California’s wettest winters on record, flowers are starting to bloom, birds are chirping — and your nose won’t stop running.
If you’re among the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, there are ways to manage your symptoms. Dr. Shazia Lutfeali, an allergist and immunologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, joined us on our newsroom’s public affairs show AirTalk, which airs on 89.3 FM, to share how you might find some relief this spring.
Managing exposure
Lutfeali says some of her patients’ allergies are more severe this year than they have been before, and some people even seem to be experiencing allergies for the first time. This could be because of the massive amount of rainfall California received, which means more plants are blooming now and more pollen is in the air.
That’s why Lutfeali says her first recommendation to patients is to minimize their exposure, which can actually mean following some pretty simple tips:
- Use air conditioning and HEPA filters when possible.
- Change your clothes when you go inside, to avoid tracking pollen onto your furniture.
- Wear sunglasses outside.
- Air-dry your clothes inside — clothes drying on outdoor lines can collect pollen.
- Shower and wash your hair before you go to sleep to avoid.
- Give your pets an extra-thorough brush, or maybe even a bath (if they’ll let you)!
Natural remedies & medications
Lutfeali says there are many ways you can try reducing your symptoms, with or without medications. You could:
- Gargle with saltwater, which can help break up the mucus from the nasal passages.
- Use saline rinses and daily mist spray.
- Drink warm water with honey, for a soothing…
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