How did it get here so soon? Wasn't it just 4-5 months ago we were sneezing and suffering with red watery eyes? Right now, allergist and Dr. Amanjit Dhatt of the Alpine Allergy & Asthma Clinics in Reno says, "I can see a 5-month old, and I can see a 95-year old in any given day." She says allergy season typically starts in February, "Until about late October, when it starts to snow again."
You may have noticed already. Things are growing and sprinklers are going in this warm, mild winter. And with plants, come pollen. Dr. Dhatt told me, "Not many things died down so we can have more significant pollen. On the other hand, there's the lack of moisture. We may not have as severe a Spring season as we had last year."
And is your runny, stuffy nose an allergy…or a cold? How can you tell the difference? Dr. Dhatt says, with a cold "You can get more of a sore throat, maybe some muscle aches, joint pains, feeling unwell...a fever."
It’s tough to avoid a cold, but there is a lot you can do to avoid allergens. "Decreased exposure. Whether that means keeping the windows of your car up, or leaving the doors and windows in your home closed during the high pollen seasons."
Also, drink plenty of fluids. Take a hot shower to wash the pollen off. Take allergy medication, and use eye drops and nasal spray. There are more powerful options too. "There are nasal steroids which can be over the counter or prescription, then there are nasal antihistamines which are prescription-only."
And the hidden allergens in our homes deserve attention too. There are many neglected areas that become breeding grounds for bacteria and dust bunnies that can trigger your allergies. Now here's a tip: deep clean your rugs. Dr. Dhatt says, "That will decrease the amount of allergen in the carpet. It's impossible to get it completely out, but it would be helpful."
