Outdoor allergies are some of the most common types of allergies. Also called seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis, outdoor allergies are those caused by substances in nature.
Tree, grass, and weed pollens can all trigger allergic reactions and unpleasant symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes. If outdoor allergens bother you, nearly every season brings substances that can irritate you. Staying inside can help keep allergies under control, but it’s not always easy to escape outdoor allergens — even when you head indoors.
At Midwest Allergy Sinus Asthma, Dareen Siri, MD, and her advanced allergy care team are here to share our best tips for keeping outdoor allergens outside. With these strategies, you can minimize the allergens that enter your house and find relief from seasonal allergies when you’re at home.
Bathe your pets regularly
Pet dander is a leading cause of indoor allergies, but pets that go outdoors can also trigger other allergies. If you have a dog or cat that goes outside, tree, grass, and weed pollens collect on their fur. When your pet comes inside, they bring the allergens into the house.
Bathing your pets regularly helps wash pollen and other allergens off their fur. Plus, keeping pets off of your bed and out of your bedroom can help limit the spread of indoor and outdoor allergens inside your house.
Wash up after spending time outside
Your pets can bring outdoor allergens inside, and so can you. Your skin, hair, and clothing can all catch pollen in the air when you’re outside. The allergens come with you and may continue irritating your allergies even after you go inside.
Change your clothing when you go indoors and wash clothes (and jackets) regularly. It’s a good idea to shower before going to bed each night. Bathing rinses allergens from your hair and skin, and reduces your exposure to allergens when you’re sleeping.
Keep windows and doors closed
When the weather is nice, it can be tempting to open the windows and turn off the air conditioner. But opening windows opens your home to outdoor allergens.
Even if your windows have screens, pollen and other outdoor allergens can get through. By keeping windows closed and only opening doors when you enter and exit, you can limit the chances that outdoor allergens have to enter your house.
Clean the house regularly
No matter how careful you are, outdoor allergens still enter your home. Take steps to maintain a clean house, which helps reduce both indoor and outdoor allergens.
Consider getting an air filter for your home, which cleans the air and reduces the number of allergens you breathe. Dusting and vacuuming regularly removes all sorts of allergens, from pollen to pet dander, and can help you live more comfortably.
When seasonal allergies hit hard, turn to Dr. Siri and her team of talented advanced practice providers. Book an allergy appointment at Midwest Allergy Sinus Asthma to find out more about managing your allergy symptoms.