Every spring, many people experience allergic reactions to the fine powder that comes from the stamen of flowering plants, or Pollen. “Because pollen is fine, it can be carried for great distances through the air current. It also is easily inhaled as it comes in contact with your nose, mouth and nasal passages...[s]ymptoms can include watery eyes, runny nose, rhinitis, sore throat, coughing, increased mucus, headaches and asthma…[t]he actual allergy to pollen is called hay fever, which is caused when pollen is dispersed through the air.” During the spring (and even during other seasons) there are many different types of trees, grasses, and weeds that produce pollen and cause allergies. Pollen tends to affect people more where the air is dry, as the pollen can remain longer in the air.
While pollen may be tough to avoid outside at the height of spring, there are some simple measures you can take to avoid the buildup of pollen in your home.
Install new, or replace, air filters indoors to maintain allergen-free air in your home. Air filters attached to the central heating and air system of your home are most effective in filtering pollen and other allergens, so if your allergies are especially brutal, you should consider which type of air filter you are using .
Contact us at Kennedy Air Conditioning of Greater Little Rock for additional information on air filters.
Keeping windows closed during days with high pollen levels is important. Pollen levels are highest in the morning—when it is crucial to keep windows closed and avoid leaving doors open for longer than necessary.
Be aware of ways that pollen can enter your home. Your clothes will collect pollen when you are outside—if possible, it will help to separate the clothes you wear outside on pollen-heavy days and launder them right away. Shake the clothes and use adhesive tape if necessary to remove as much pollen as possible before placing them in the wash.
Pets can collect pollen on their fur and on their skin. If you are allergic to pollen, don’t allow outdoor pets to enter your bedroom. Regular washing of pet areas, carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture will help reduce the likelihood of pollen buildup in your home. Bedding, too, should be regularly washed in case any residual pollen has been transferred by pets or clothes.
Spring Allergy Season is always rough, but keeping your home as pollen free as possible will help you (and your nose) survive. Replace your air filters, close windows during the day, separate pollen soiled clothes, and maintain your pet's’ cleanliness to reduce the effects of pollen and allergies daily. To learn more about keeping your home allergen free, contact the professionals at Kennedy Air Conditioning today HERE!
SOURCES:
Search Allergy Articles. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://www.pollen.com/allergy/pollen-allergy
Get Rid of Allergy Symptoms Without Drugs. (2010). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://kerrchiropractic.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/get-rid-of-allergy-symptoms-without-drugs/
How to Get Rid of a Pollen Stain. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Pollen-Stain
12 Tips on Getting Rid of Pollen Allergies Indoors and... (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://www.nursetogether.com/12-tips-getting-rid-pollen-allergies-indoors-and-outdoors