Springtime can be exciting for all sorts of reasons but for
allergy and asthma sufferers sometimes it only means the misery begins. About 75% of asthma patients have an allergy. What can be done? Make sure you are aware of
your triggers and try to be proactive in your approach.
Some tips include starting your medication about two weeks
before your symptoms start if you suffer from seasonal allergies. This can help mimimize the eventual symptoms. Check the Air Quality Index and stay inside when pollen counts are at their
highest. Try to avoid opening your
windows and doors at home. Drying the
laundry inside will help keep your clothes pollen free. Make sure you keep that
inhaler handy especially when travelling.
If you are doing spring cleaning take note that you can
meet the majority of your cleaning needs with products that are recommended as
safe for people with asthma to use, such as salt, sodium bicarbonate
(i.e.baking soda), washing soda, borax, vinegar and washing powder. Another tip is having a shower before bed when you have been
outside. When you come in you are
covered in unseen pollens and allergens.
Taking a shower means the allergens are no longer on your skin for you to
breathe in for the next 8 hours when sleeping.
Wear wrap-around sunglasses when outside, this will keep pollen out of
your eyes.
The Asthma Society of Canada is a great place to start for more information. It includes an Allergies
and Asthma help line. Want to read
about how to garden with allergies? Check out this brand new title from your
local library: The Allergy-fighting garden : stop asthma and allergies with smart landscaping or listen to Living a healthy life with chronic conditions in audio cd format for long-term
management. It’s been a really long winter so
everybody should be able to enjoy Spring!
--Patricia Milner, Head of Reference Services
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