7 Ways You Could Be Making Your Spring Allergies Worse

In some parts of the country, the 2024 spring allergy season started two to three weeks early. You know what that means: We already feel pollen’s effects. And it may sound crazy, but our habits could inadvertently make things worse! Here are a few little-known things that could make us extra miserable this spring.

1. Stressing out. Studies show high levels of stress are associated with allergy attacks. So whether you need to meditate, schedule weekly massages, or rebalance your workload, find a way to loosen up.
2. Eating fruit. Spring and juicy fruit seem to go together, but 1 in 3 people with seasonal allergies also have oral allergy syndrome, in which the proteins in some raw fruits and veggies can make your mouth itch and your eyes water. Are you allergic to grass? You might have issues with peaches, tomatoes, and potatoes. You could react to apples, cherries, and celery if you’re allergic to alder or birch trees.
3. Showering in the morning. From your hair to your clothes to your shoes, you pick up pollen as you move throughout your day, and wearing your outside clothes in your house drags it all into your home. Change your clothes and shower when you get home to avoid breathing in that pollen while you sleep.
4. Opening the windows. Whether in the car or at home, throwing open the windows invites pollen right into your (itchy) nose. Use the air conditioner whenever possible; recirculate the air in your car and use an allergen filter in your home.
5. Wearing contacts. They aren’t just irritating your eyes—soft contact lenses absorb pollen, which can trap it right in your eyes. You might want to pull out your frames until the season is over. Can’t part with your contacts? Use daily disposables.
6. Waiting to take your meds. The sooner you start your over-the-counter allergy medication, the more effective it will be. Don’t wait until you’re already miserable to pop your first pill of the season; take one as soon as you see the flowers start to bloom.
7. Having a plant. You probably know it’s counterproductive to buy cut flowers, but studies show about 75 percent of hay fever sufferers are also allergic to some houseplants. It might pay to leave the greenery outside, particularly ficus, ivy, palms, ferns, and orchids.