How to Prevent Pollen Allergies

Approximately 40 million Americans are affected by allergies. The resulting upper-respiratory symptoms, known as "allergic rhinitis," are commonly called "hay fever" when caused by pollen sensitivity. Hay fever is characterized by itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and coughing, and it can make sufferers miserable. Though it is difficult to avoid the pollen that's making you sneeze, there are ways to prevent your hay fever from getting out of hand.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement air filters
• Respirator mask

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Find out what you are allergic to and learn to recognize it. The best way to prevent pollen allergies is to avoid spending time around the types of trees, shrubs, grasses or weeds that cause your symptoms.

• 2

  Keep windows closed and don't run attic fans, which allow pollens into your home. To stay cool, run central air or a window air-conditioning unit; change the filters regularly to prevent pollen and dust buildup.

• 3

  Wash pets frequently, and wipe or brush them down when they come in from outdoors. Pollens hitch a ride into your home on your pet's fur, so keep the animals out of your bedroom and off of furniture.

• 4

  Dust and vacuum at least two to three times a week to prevent indoor pollen buildup. Consider wearing a respirator when you are doing housework, as airborne pollens and dust particles are stirred as you clean and may jump start your allergies.

• 5

  Run a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner in your bedroom to rid your home of pollens that enter indoors. Breathing cleaner air at night can help you feel better when you start your day.

• 6

  Wear a respirator mask when mowing the lawn or doing yard work to avoid pollens that are airborne and those that you'll stir up while you are working.

• 7

  Avoid spending excessive amounts of time outside on windy or wet days. Pollen counts are at their highest with increasing wind and after rain showers.

• 8

  Pollens attach to clothing, so change clothes when you come home for the day, and throw dirty items in the wash. Also, take a shower to remove pollen buildup from your hair.