Seasonal allergies: Tips to keep pollen at bay

New Delhi: Spring, the most beautiful season of the year, is here. Yet, it also brings you a stuffy nose or itchy, watery eyes and a sneezing spell.

Spring causes seasonal allergies because during this time, plants release pollen - which is a major trigger of seasonal allergies - and that's why millions of people get hay fever.

Besides, other triggers include mold, grasses, dust mites, animal dander and cockroaches, insect stings, latex, etc.

While there's no cure, there are many things you can do to reduce or prevent springtime allergies – from medication to good household habits.

• Consult your doctor or allergist to devise strategies to avoid triggers.
• Monitor pollen and mold counts.
• Try to stay indoor when pollen count is high.
• Keep your doors and windows closed during spring season.
• Consider using an air purifier – ensure that you clean the air filters often.
• Keep your house clean, including bookshelves, vents where pollen can gather.
• Take shower before bed as transferring allergens from your body to your bed and pillow can make matters worse.
• Change clothes once you get home.
• Try to vacuum twice a week.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as well as support natural cleansing systems in the body.
• Drink herbal teas that contain natural antihistamines that may reduce mild allergy symptoms. 
• Eat a healthy diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, healthy fats.
• Check with your doctor if you think you have an allergy.
• Take medications as prescribed by your allergist to control symptoms

In case you have a history of prior seasonal problems, allergists recommend starting medications two weeks before they are expected to begin to alleviate symptoms.