Spring allergy season nears but most sufferers may already own an inexpensive measure of prevention
March means we are closer to warmer spring weather as well as the pollen allergies that come with it. More allergy sufferers may save money on medications by using something they probably already own: a good quality mask.
Posted — UpdatedEvery year, WRAL Meteorologist Kat Campbell keeps a close watch on pollen’s presence.
"They start to show up in March, but it’s really once we get to mid-March that we see them climbing," Campbell said of airborne allergens.
As levels come to a peak, so do Campbell’s own allergy symptoms. Like many others with pollen allergies, she develops itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose and nasal congestion. "I suffer. I take it all. I’ve got the eye-drops. I have the over-the-counter allergy medicine, the nose spray, all of it," said Campbell.
Most people can find relief with low-cost, over-the-counter medications, but many allergy sufferers seek prescription strength remedies from allergists like Dr. Gurdev Judge with the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center.
For him, the season has already begun. "We are very busy now for the last few days; for the last two weeks," said Judge.
Judge says he prescribes medications for people with severe allergies. He also recommends OTC products like nasal sprays, decongestants and eye drops.
Another option can be found in the same masks people commonly wear to prevent COVID-19. He says masks may also help you reduce dependence on allergy medications.
Judge recommends KN95 masks. "That’s a good compromise. It kind of protects you and less pollen goes through your nose." He also says goggles or tightly worn glasses or sunglasses can help ward off pollen from entering the eyes.
He also recommends showering off and changing clothing after spending time outdoors.
Campbell says as pollen counts become a bigger part of WRAL’s forecasts, masks will be a bigger part of her allergy arsenal. "I mean, I’ll be wearing my mask anyway, but if this helps me this year, this could be something that I do well into the future," she said.
Campbell says tree pollens typically peak at the end of March and first week of April, but then grass and weed pollens take over and continue through May.
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