Record March Rain

Could Spell Sneezy Spring For Allergy Sufferers

BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Hospital allergists are predicting a nasty spring allergy season in the wake of record rainfall in March.

“Pollen-producing trees and grasses will flourish from so much moisture and mold spores will be plentiful,” says Kenneth Backman, MD, the hospital’s chief of allergy and immunology. “Fortunately, allergy sufferers can manage their symptoms so they can still enjoy the outdoors as the weather warms up.”

Remedies for allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes range from simple avoidance of the outdoors when pollen and mold counts are high to over-the-counter medications and more aggressive treatment by an allergist.

Bridgeport Hospital provides two ways for people to monitor pollen and mold conditions — on the web at www.bridgeporthospital.org (choose “Pollen & Mold Conditions” from the Website Resources menu on the home page) and by phone at 203-384-3879.

Bridgeport Hospital reports on pollen and mold conditions from April through October, covering the spring, late summer, and fall allergy seasons.

 “Knowing pollen and mold conditions is an important first step in minimizing the severity of allergy symptoms,” says Dr Backman. “Pollen levels peak at dawn and dusk, so avoiding the outdoors during those hours can help ward off an allergy attack.”

Clear, windy days tend to be challenging for people sensitive to pollen and mold spores because the allergens are dispersed in the air more easily, Dr Backman adds. Damp, rainy days and their aftermath may pose a problem for people with mold allergies, as warmer temperatures speed the decay of vegetation, which produces more mold.

“Not spending a lot of time the outdoors may be the best thing to do on certain days, but warmer spring weather is a welcome relief after months of snowy, soggy conditions,” says Dr Backman. “People with allergies can still enjoy the return of spring by properly managing their symptoms.”

Ten Ways To Ease Allergy Suffering This Spring

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and Medical News Today, there are a few things you can do to gain some relief from excessive springtime allergy symptoms:

1. Stay indoors — especially during peak pollen times from 10 am to 4 pm.

2. Take your medicine — take over-the-counter antihistamines at least 30 minutes prior to going outside.

3. Do some spring cleaning — eliminate the mold and the dust that has accumulated over the course of the winter months.

4. Dry laundry indoors — while sheets dried outside might smell nice, your nose won’t be so appreciative since fabrics can collect pollen and bring them back inside.

5. Skip breezy open windows and doors — open windows and doors can bring the pollen inside. Also, do not use fans that stir up pollen inside your home. Instead, rely on the air conditioner if you cannot bear the heat.

6. Sleep on allergen-free bedding — once a week, wash all bed linens in warm water.

7. Drive pollen-free — keep your car’s sunroof and windows up while driving. Similarly, don’t put the top down on your convertible.

8. Wear a mask — it sounds a little goofy, but if you wear a mask when you mow the lawn, garden, or have to be outdoors during high-pollen times, it may save you some suffering.

9. Keep your pets off furniture — if your pets go outside, keep them off the furniture and bathe them frequently to eliminate pollen they might bring from outside.

10. Forgo a morning shower — instead take a night bath or shower to rinse your hair and body of pollen that collected over the course of the day.