While allergy symptoms can certainly be inconvenient and overwhelming at times, it’s safe to say that shortness of breath is a symptom that no one wants to consistently experience. So, how can you avoid it? And if you do experience it, how can you reduce its severity?

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Greenwood has some helpful answers, so read on!

How Can I Avoid Allergy Symptoms This Spring?

Honestly, unless you have had something like a series of allergy shots or sinus surgery, you will likely deal with allergies for an indefinite amount of time. Although this news is not ideal, there are ways you can battle your allergies and enjoy the spring and summer weather!

We’ve listed some helpful tactics to battle seasonal allergies below.

Ways to Battle Seasonal Allergies

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications, such as OTC antihistamines or decongestants, before your symptoms start.
• Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
• Use the air conditioning in your home and car instead of opening the windows.
• Wear a mask if you do outside chores to prevent yourself from breathing in pollen.

What About Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath is most common among those who have allergic rhinitis or who have been previously diagnosed with asthma. When you inhale airborne allergens like pollen, your body produces histamines to protect your immune and respiratory systems, which causes inflammation and, in turn, makes it harder to breathe.

While visiting our AFC center is one of the most effective ways to get the necessary treatment, there are some breathing exercises you can do in addition to our above list to make breathing easier.

Ways to Make Breathing Easier

• Take deep belly breaths. Diaphragmatic breathing, as it’s also called, helps your body relax, destress and fills up your airwaves with oxygen.
• Practice yoga. Yoga’s relaxing flows and poses are focused on core strength and deep breathing, which can simultaneously benefit your lungs and posture.
• Sit forward. Leaning forward allows your body to take longer, deeper breaths than if you were standing or sitting hunched over.
• Use an air purifier. Running one of these in your home cleans the air and rids it of potential lingering allergens contributing to your shortness of breath.
• Drink ginger tea. Ginger is one of the ultimate healers of nasal congestion and mucus buildup.

Remember, our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood is here to provide the treatment you need for your allergy problems and any other general medical concerns!