Itchy Eyes and Seasonal Allergies: Finding Relief This Spring

Become a Pollen Pro
One of the best ways to manage your allergies is to identify the conditions, or triggers, that cause your symptoms and take steps to avoid or control them. For example, once you know your greatest sensitivity is to ragweed pollen, either through medical testing, viewing daily pollen counts for your area, tracking your symptoms or completing the Kleenex Allergy Quiz, you can better make smart allergy decisions.

These decisions can include staying indoors on high-pollen-count days, using a daily antihistamine or decongestant eye drops for long-lasting relief during peak pollen periods, wearing sunglasses as a physical barrier against allergens and avoiding outdoor activities that can increase your exposure.

Controlling Your Allergies at Home
While many allergy sufferers will head indoors to stave off the worst allergy symptoms, small allergens such as pollen can easily enter the home through doors and windows. Therefore, take these steps to improve indoor air quality:

• Change your clothes right away – Soft surfaces like our clothing can trap irritating allergens indoors; if you were outside for an extended period or near trees and plants, consider taking a shower, too.
• Wipe down Fido or Felix – Outdoor adventures are a great way to bond with our pets, but they are also a way for pollen, dust and other irritants to gather in the home. Clean your furry friends promptly with pet-safe wipes if they’ve been outdoors or are prone to dander and shedding.
• Keep your space clean – Regular dusting, vacuuming and using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your HVAC system or standalone air purifier can help reduce allergens in your home.

Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Nonprescription medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroid nasal sprays, are a great way to control your symptoms and reduce your discomfort. Allergy testing and immunotherapy shots can assist those with severe allergies by identifying the most severe allergens and gradually desensitizing the body to them.

However, some people might be unable or unwilling to take over-the-counter allergy medications due to interactions with necessary medications or other health concerns. Fortunately, there are a variety of natural remedies you can use to help ease eye-related symptoms and find relief.

Cold Compress
Allergies can cause eye pain, itchiness and irritation, making it difficult to see and enjoy the things you love. To treat it, try a simple cold compress for immediate relief and to reduce inflammation, swelling and itching. Some people also find that warm compresses, such as black tea bags steeped for a short time, have a similar effect, but make sure they are warm, not hot, before applying them to your eyes.

Nasal Irrigation
Sinus congestion occurs when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens, causing inflammation and excess mucus in the nasal passages. This congestion can cause sore throat, headaches and itchy eyes or throat. To ease your congestion naturally and reduce your symptoms, try a neti pot to flush your sinuses of allergens and excess mucus, which should ease inflammation.

Remember, all nasal irrigation devices  — such as neti pots, squeeze bottles, syringes and others — must only be used with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water. Tap water is not safe to use and could cause a serious infection.

Eye Drops
Artificial tears can help you find relief by flushing allergens and soothing inflammation or irritation. There are also some eye drops that contain antihistamines that can be used once or twice a day to reduce your symptoms. Always contact your doctor before starting a new medication or health routine.  

Allergy-Minded Diet
Did you know the foods you eat can play a role in managing your allergy symptoms? According to the Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center of North Scottsdale, consuming more anti-inflammatory foods can help alleviate your symptoms. 
 
Try adding to your diet:

• Food rich in Omega-3s – Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body and are commonly found in salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts and seeds.
• Leafy greens – Vitamin C, found in dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens, acts as a natural antihistamine by reducing the amount of histamine the body produces.
• Water – Not only is good hydration important for your overall health, but dehydration can cause the body to produce higher levels of histamines. As a water regulator, your histamine levels rise to prevent water loss, leading to increased mucus, congestion and worsening allergy symptoms.

Seasonal allergies can be painful and irritating, impeding your ability to see and interact with the world around you. However, with proper preventive measures and keeping some remedies handy, you can manage the worst of your eye-related complaints and enjoy spring despite your allergies. To get more valuable eye-health insights, visit healthyvisionassociation.com/articles.

Articles in this newsletter are supposed to be informative, enlightening and helpful to you. While all information contained herein is meant to be completely factual, it is always subject to change. Articles are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor before starting any new health routine. 

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