As spring blossoms, even taking a walk outside may aggravate your allergies.  

Here are some tips from Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System allergist Robin Go, MD, to help you through the spring allergy season: 

Care for your indoor plants.

“Bear in mind that indoor plants need to be well taken care of.  Otherwise, they may grow mold or be dusty and aggravate allergies.” 

Avoid certain trees and plants, but know the facts.

“Bradford pear trees do not cause allergies but a lot of people are irritated by the scent. Pine tree pollens are not the most allergenic, but we tend to equate them with allergies because they are visible. Flowering plants are not allergenic. They are pollinated by bees, not by the wind.” 

Keep your house clean. 

“Around the house, take dust mite allergy control measures. If you are allergic to pets, don’t let them into the bedroom and keep the bedroom door shut at all times.” 

Be thorough when cleaning cat dander. 

“Cat dander is particularly troublesome, as their fur is very light and sticky. If you remove cats from your home, it would take four to five months to rid carpets, furniture and other surfaces of cat dander with regular cleaning.” 

Allergy-free pets? “There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat. Less shedding does not mean hypoallergenic.”

Keep the pollen out. 

“Keep windows closed at all times if you are allergic to pollen. Do not hang clothes outside to dry or they will be coated with pollen when you bring them inside. Change your clothes after being outside and take a shower in the evening to wash off any pollen that may be in your hair or skin. Pets can also bring pollen into the home from outdoors.”

Know the difference between allergies and a viral infection.

“It’s important to differentiate between allergic reactions and symptoms of a viral infection. Allergic reactions can include anything from itchiness in your eyes, nose and mouth area to a runny nose or cough. You do not run a fever with allergies. Viral infections can include fever, fatigue, body aches, cough and shortness of breath.” 

Robin Go, MD, is an allergist at Medical Group of the Carolinas – Medical Affiliates – North Grove.