Spring is officially upon us. That means that we get to enjoy warmer weather, blossoming flowers, big fields of happy grass and the sound of wind rushing through the leafy trees in Cleburne State Park. If you have spring allergies, however, there’s one more aspect of the season you might not be looking forward to as much: sinus discomfort.
While sinus discomfort is no fun, it doesn’t need to ruin your spring. Let’s look at how spring impacts your sinuses and what you can do to enjoy pleasant, easy breathing this season.
How Spring Impacts Your Sinuses
The main culprit behind spring sinus discomfort is pollen. If your immune system is sensitive to pollen, it will attack the substance the same way it would if it were a dangerous bacterium or virus. When the system produces antibodies to attack the allergen, it also causes a host of allergy symptoms, such as sinus discomfort.
Cleburne experiences high levels of grass and tree pollen during the spring. While that pollen means that we get to enjoy all the gorgeous nature, it also means that sensitive individuals need to be proactive about safeguarding their sinus health.
Tips To Safeguard Your Sinus Health
There are three ways that you can minimize the effect pollen has on your sinuses:
- Allergen avoidance. Check the pollen levels in Cleburne on The Weather Channel and try to schedule outdoor events for times when the pollen count is lower. Showering upon returning home, installing allergy screens on your windows, wearing long sleeves when gardening or playing outside and wearing goggles while mowing the lawn are other great ways to minimize exposure.
- Treatment. Depending on the severity of your allergies, you can either take daily allergy medications to hold back your symptoms or try immunotherapy—a long-term treatment to reduce sensitivity to a specific allergen.
- Home remedies. Home remedies help reduce sinus pressure and make breathing easier. Irrigating your sinuses with a Neti Pot, placing a warm compress over your nose, cheeks and forehead and drinking plenty of fluids are three effective remedies.
If sinus discomfort sticks around a little too long this spring, give us a call at Benke Ear Nose & Throat Clinic to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. We’ll identify which substances are causing your symptoms and get you started on the right treatment path.