Keep allergy symptoms under control

With spring in full bloom, allergies are sure to follow. Here are some tips to help allergy sufferers keep their symptoms under control:

•Take an extra shower. After you’ve been outside gardening or exercising, take a shower to rinse pollens from your body.

•Change clothes. Just going indoors doesn’t stop exposure to pollen.

•Run the washer. Put pollen-contaminated clothes in the wash and change into a fresh outfit after you’ve been active outside.

•Keep windows closed. It’s tempting to open windows, but you’ll regret giving airborne pollens such easy access.

•Use your air-conditioner. When the house needs cooling, air-conditioning is the best bet. It keeps pollens out.

•Schedule wisely. If possible, stay inside in early morning, at night and on sunny, windy days when pollen counts usually are higher. Use exercise videos at home or walk in an enclosed mall.

•Stay on top of treatment. Talk with your doctor about whether you need allergy shots, antihistamines, decongestants or other prescription or nonprescription medicines, and take them as recommended.

•Watch for side effects. Certain antihistamines can cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be used while driving or doing other tasks that require alertness. Some decongestants elevate blood pressure.

•Try nasal irrigation. An over-the-counter saline nose spray can help wash out pollens.