Spring is a wonderful time of year unless you suffer from seasonal allergies. For most of us, this time of year means sneezing, coughing, runny nose and sore throats. Over the counter and even prescription medications can provide some relief, but this relief is usually temporary and the side effects are sometimes worse than the allergies.

Fortunately, there are other options to help control your seasonal allergies and provide some much needed, fast relief and one of the best options you have is a strong immune system. Did you know that your immune system plays a significant role is seasonal allergies? Simply inhaling allergens such as pollen sets your immune system into action because your immune system believes the pollen is a threat to your good health. This over reaction by your immune system results in a release of histamine, causing unnecessary irritation that results in coughing, sneezing, etc.

If your immune system is not working properly and overreacting to pollen or mold, you are most likely going to be somewhat miserable for as long as those allergens are floating around. However, a strong or properly functioning immune system can help provide protection from this over-reaction. A strong immune system will:

  • Help regulate the immune response, so your immune system is not over-reacting
  • Help clear allergens from the body faster and more effectively
  • Enhance your tolerance to these springtime “invaders”

Strengthening your immune system will help to minimize the impact of allergy season and help you maintain good health year-round. However, simply having a strong immune system may not entirely prevent seasonal allergies but can help minimize their impact. Also, other factors such as genetics and environmental exposure play significant roles in the development and severity of allergies. Here are a few more tips to help you avoid a springtime allergic reaction:

  • On days when pollen counts are high, try to spend more time indoors
  • If you’re going to spend time outside during high pollen days, wash away pollen from your outdoor furniture, your car or where ever you plan to spend your outdoor time
  • After you have been outside in the pollen, use a saline nasal wash to clear your nasal passages of any pollen that you have encountered, shower immediately and change your clothes

With a strong immune system and doing your best to avoid pollen, springtime may once again be a great time of year for you.