I live in a city where allergies are really prevalent.  We’ve got Loblolly Pines, we’ve got oaks, we’ve got all this green stuff that just makes your life really mis in the spring.  And there’s not a whole lot you can do about it…

Or is there?!  ::plays mysterious music::

So, I’m no doctor, but I’ve been dealing with allergies for long enough that I’ve found ways to effectively deal with the issue.

1.  Just because you’re outside all the time (especially my walkers/runners), doesn’t mean you have to shut yourself inside.  But after you come it, make a beeline (GET IT?! Bees?! Pollen!) for the shower, and rinse any of that stuff off of yourself.

2.  Wear contacts?  Change them OFTEN.  I wear those dailies, and I (admittedly) do not always change them as often as I should.  But this is the season for you (and me!) to be taking those contacts out at the recommended intervals.  If you are a glasses wearer, it’s a good time to flush your eyes (and the glass) with a drop.  I’ve used both OTC, and something my eye doctor prescribed to me.

3.  It’s time to get your neti pot out.  I know it seems disgusting, but it feels great for a few reasons.

• For one, you kind of rinse the physical dust, dirt, and pollen from your sinuses.
• For two, I feel like it helps reduce some of the inflammation in your sinuses.
• And for three, it feels AMAZING on a sore throat if you can get the angle right and get some of the warm water to come through the throat.

4.  Figure out an allergy medication that works for you.  For me, it’s Zyrtec.  Which is expensive, but it doesn’t make me drowsy, and it handles my itchy eyeballs, sore throat, sinus swelling, and general foggy feeling.  Start taking those meds EARLY.  BEFORE you notice everything blooming.

5.  It’s warm.  It’s tempting to drive around with the windows open and leave all the windows in the house open.  But if you’re suffering, it’s time to seal those suckers shut until the stuff stops blooming.

Those are my tippies for a more comfortable spring experience.

How do you combat allergies?