‘Pollen Tsunami’ Slamming Allergy Sufferers
Oak and birch trees - considered the "big bad" pollen makers - are coming out at the same time this year as the seasonal ones like poplar, alder and ash. And then there's the grass pollens.
"It's a triple whammy," says Dr. Clifford Bassett, Medical Director of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York. "The early and mid-spring tree pollen and the grasses are hitting all at once to create misery and suffering."
Dr. Bassett offers up these allergy survival tips:
- Use air conditioning.
- Exercise indoors.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
- If you live in the suburbs, don't hang clothes out to dry.
- Wash your face after going outdoors.
- Keep pollen-laden clothing out of the bedroom.
- Keep floors clean.
- Consider "air-cleaning" indoor plants like English ivy and bamboo palm.
- Shower every night. Rinse the pollens that have collected on your skin and hair throughout the day.
- Gently irrigate your eyelids (eyes closed) with a mild, tear-free baby shampoo to remove allergens and pollutants. Your doctor may also recommend anti-allergy or moisturizing eye drops.
- As for the nasty green pollen that lands on the porch: don't sweep, hose it down.
(Source: NBC News)