As winter ends, spring passes, and summer looms, a number of changes take place in conjunction with the transitioning of the seasons: The weather warms up. The days get longer. The flowers bloom. Migrating birds return– and so do your seasonal allergies.

As a chronic sufferer of multiple allergies, as common as dust and pollen and as specific as ticks and heavy scents, as well as a multitude of other, completely random things, I can say with conviction that I understand and empathize with the springtime struggles of the 24 million others in America who also endure the annoyances of seasonal allergies.

If you are allergic to pollen, there is really only one way to completely safeguard yourself from floral assault: just don’t go outside. Apologies to the social butterflies among us, but while you may think the coming of spring is the perfect time to step out of your cocoons, your rhinitis disagrees with you. If you really must venture into nature’s warzone, I recommend deploying a non-drowsy 24-hour Claritin (given medical reasons do not prevent you from using one) and taking some Benadryl cream with you wherever you go incase something gives you hives or a rash.

While this advice proves effective, if you are already having a reaction to something, it may not work as well. To conquer current or ongoing onslaughts of allergic reactions, I would recommend a number of other treatments alongside any allergy medications you may already take. If your allergies, like mine, often affect your nasal passage and/or your sinuses, I highly recommend the use of some sort of nasal cleanser, such as a Neti-Pot (looks like a small teapot, but works miracles) or a saline nasal cleanser. I realize this is something you may usually do if you have contracted a cold or the flu; however, using such innovations of medical science in order to breathe easier should not be restricted to times of illness. Cleaning out your nasal passage/sinuses in this manner not only provides you with immediate relief from congestion, but it also helps prevent mucus from building up at least until your allergy medication (if you use any) wears off. In addition, simply breathing in the steam from hot water or a humidifier can do wonders for your breathing.

Back to preventative measures, if you do not do so already, I would recommend keeping real flowers to a minimum inside your home, or at least keeping them away from your room. Furthermore, frequent vacuuming and minimizing the number of dust magnets (items which tend to collect/attract/produce dust) in your room can only further benefit you in the long run.
My fellow allergy sufferers, I wish you good luck and happy breathing in the testing months to come!