Got a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and a cough that just won’t quit?
Yep, spring allergy season—in all her congested glory—has come early this year.
According to Dr. Stanley Fineman, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the mild winter is to blame. “Typically the pollen season continues through springtime, so we’re anticipating a longer season—which can also mean more severe symptoms for allergy patients,” says Fineman.
Depending on where you live, you’ll feel the effects of seasonal allergies to varying degrees. You can check the pollen counts in your area at the web site of the National Allergy Bureau (or, check the Top 10 Worst Cities for Allergy Sufferers below).
Determining whether you’ve got a full-fledged cold or whether you have allergies can be tricky; the symptoms are pretty similar, says Dr. Fineman. As a general rule of thumb, if your symptoms last longer than a week, and you’ve got clear (healthy) mucus in your tissues, it’s probably allergies. If mucus is yellow or green, you may have a sinus infection. If your symptoms include fever and body aches, you could have a cold or the flu.
Suspect you might be allergic to pollen? See an allergist to get tested. If you already know you’re allergic, here are some ways to minimize exposure and protect yourself:
- Keep windows closed
- Wear sunglasses outside (even if it’s not sunny)
- Shower, or at least change your clothes, right when you get home so that any pesky pollen you’ve picked up outdoors won’t get spread around in your house
- Consider getting an air humidifier or an air purifier
If things get really rough, you can pop an antihistamine, or even talk to your allergist about getting allergy shots.
The 10 Worst Cities For Allergy Sufferers
(according to a study released today by Waterpik and The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)
1. Knoxville, TN
2. McAllen, TX
3. Louisville, KY
4. Jackson, MS
5. Wichita, KS
6. Oklahoma City, OK
7. Chattanooga, TN
8. Memphis, TN
9. San Antonio, TX
10. Dayton, OH
More from WH on surviving allergy season:
Get Rid of Allergy Symptoms
All About Allergies
The Best Seasonal Allergy Medicine
Women’s Health News Blog: Latest Health Headlines and Tips to Stay Healthy