Allergy sufferers in Ohio should be prepared for a more severe onslaught of ragweed pollen this season than in year's past, states Cleveland.com, thanks to the abundance of rain over the past several weeks. The source states that mid-August is when residents can prepare to be hit with these allergens — however, there are proactive measures they can take to prevent debilitating symptoms such as runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing.
"If you know it's going to hit, the best thing is to take your antihistamines, your nose sprays [and] your eye drops before the season starts," Dr. Robert Hostoffer of Allergy/Immunology Associates Inc. in South Euclid told the news outlet.
When ragweed pollen enters our bodies, we fight it off by sending out histamines, which are what cause the annoying symptoms we associate with allergies. But, by taking antihistamines in advance of the allergen infiltrating our bodies, we're able to fill our cells preemptively so that the histamines are unable to escape.
With this in mind, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter treatments you can use to fight ragweed allergies.
Don't forget that there are also important steps you can take around your home to ensure that you and your family are more comfortable during allergy season. Experts recommend taking a shower and changing your clothes after you've been outside during this time of year to remove allergens from your body before you go to sleep. This, in addition to investing in hypoallergenic mattresses and bedding, can lead to a better night's sleep without having to worry about irritating symptoms.
