GoKawiilApril showers bring May flowers, but according to the Allergy and Asthma Network, they also bring elevated pollen counts, making May the worst month for those with allergies in most US regions.
“Allergies to airborne allergens such as pollen can cause symptoms including sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, an itchiness in the nose and throat and red, watery eyes,” explains Dr. Stephanie Kayode, a consultant allergist at Allergy Care London, describing signs of hay fever or allergic rhinitis. “These symptoms occur because pollen allergens provoke inflammation and swelling within the nose, eyes and throat when inhaled.”
To find out how we can prepare and protect ourselves before the worst month for allergies, I spoke with allergists for their expert tips on how to allergy-proof our homes.
1. It's air purifier time
If your air purifier has been sitting in the back of your closet collecting dust (yikes, another allergen), now is the perfect time to wipe it down and bring it out.
“Indoor air purifiers, particularly those with high-efficiency particulate air filters, are effective at removing pollens and air pollutants from the air we breathe in our homes, thus improving allergy symptoms,” says Kayode. Air purifiers with higher airflow rates tend to be more effective for this purpose because they filter more air.
HEPA filters are designed to capture airborne particles, such as pollen, dust, mold and even bacteria and some viruses, as we discovered when the CNET Labs team tested 12 air purifier models to find the best model for preventing illness.
Capturing air pollutants other than pollen can help reduce allergies, as Kayode explains, because these pollutants can damage our airways and even alter pollen to make it more allergenic. This means that similar or lower pollen levels can cause more severe allergic reactions.
“Using a filter that’s an appropriate size for your space is important, and some people place them by entryways for maximum effectiveness,” adds Meagan W. Shepherd, founder of The Allergy Aesthetic and owner of Shepherd Allergy.
Placing an air purifier in a high-traffic area, such as a bedroom or living room, can be especially beneficial. However, you’ll want to ensure you replace your filters when needed, as dirty or clogged filters can actually become sources of pollutants and allergens.
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