My colleague Brady Dennis reported recently that the arrival of warmer weather will soon unleash a pollen tsunami in parts of the country where the winter has been especially long and cold. Here are some survival tips from Clifford W. Bassett, an allergy specialist and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the New York University School of Medicine.
o Wear oversized sunglasses to block airborne pollens and molds.
o Wear a hat, preferably one with a wide brim.
o Avoid outdoor line drying of clothing and bed linens on a high pollen day.
o Consider exercising indoors on very high pollen days. Pollen levels may peak during the midday and afternoon, and are generally higher on warm, dry, windy days.
o Get confirmation you have seasonal allergies with simple in-office tests.
o Begin treatment with medications such as nasal antihistamines, oral antihistamines, steroids and eye drops even before symptoms start.
