Editor’s note: The following article is part of a partnership between Chambanamoms.com and Christie Clinic to help create a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.
By Amber Oberheim, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Christie Clinic
Congratulations residents of central Illinois! We finally made it through the “Polar Vortex” and one of the worst winters that we have experienced in years. Only to be slapped by yet another “vortex”? You got it! This one is called a “pollen vortex” and experts are predicting an uncomfortable late spring for allergy sufferers. The freezing temperatures of the prolonged winter may have delayed the blooming of trees, and now that it’s finally warming up, trees are expected to bloom at the same time as grasses, causing a dramatic rise in pollen.
About 8 percent of U.S. adults suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although that number appears to be on the rise. Symptoms of these allergies typically include stuffy and runny noses, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing, especially on days with high pollen counts. To fight off an intense allergy season, experts recommend changing your clothes when you come inside so that you don’t walk around your home with the pollen that you bring in. They also recommend washing your hair before going to bed. If you have pollen in your hair which is transferred to your pillow, you are basically putting your face back into the pollen for the duration of the night. On days with high temperatures and high pollen counts, it is recommended that you close your windows and turn on the air conditioner. Lastly, you can take antihistamines on a daily basis which may lessen allergic symptoms.
If you have tried all these things and are still struggling with uncontrolled allergy symptoms, I would advise that you make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss prescription medication options to make this allergy season more comfortable.
Amber Oberheim, is a Certified Nurse Practitioner and is located at Christie Clinic at Monticello. 107 West Main Street Monticello, IL 61856 (217) 762-3352.