It Takes A Week-Long Frost To Kill Off All The Pollen Outside!

You may think since we have had temperatures dipping below freezing a few times already that all of the pollen is gone.  It takes a week-long frost to kill off all the pollen outside.

In Virginia, we have not reached a full week of below freezing (32 degrees or lower) in the past two years.  It may have teetered around freezing, but it always warmed up within a few days.

That is one of the reasons allergies have seemed so bad in this area for the past couple years.  The weather never really killed off all the pollen.

This year, I am hearing that we will have a cold winter.  This is great news for those who suffer from outdoor allergies!

If you still have allergy issues after a full week of below freezing weather, than most likely you may also have indoor, or year-round, allergies.

Year-round allergies consist of dust mites, cockroaches, mold and pet dander.  If you have indoor allergies, you will most likely need to take allergy medicine year-round.

10 Tips To Reduce Allergens In Your Home

1. Avoid apples, bananas, peaches and plums if you are allergic to grass or tree pollen. They can cause the same reaction as if you were near grass or trees.
2. Use non-toxic cleaners to clean your house.  Most cleaners contain heavy scents and toxic fumes that can irritate your nasal passage and lungs.
3. Throw your pillow out at least every three years.  Dust mites are attracted to the stuffing in pillows.  You don't want that next to your face all night!
4. Wash your hands after touching a dog or cat.  There are no hypo-allergenic breeds of animals.  The allergen does not come from their fur, but it does come from their dead skin (dander).  You would have to find a skinless cat or dog for it to be hypo-allergenic and that is just not possible.
5. Use a nylon shower curtain.  Vinyl shower curtains emit toxic odors and mold and mildew is attracted to vinyl.
6. Look for mold in the refrigerator, garbage, on the air-conditioning system and in your dishwasher.  It can be anywhere where there is moisture.
7. Freeze your stuffed animals.  Dust mites are attracted to the stuffing.  Either freeze the stuffed animals in a zip-lock bag for 24 hours at least once a month or wash and dry them.  
8. Watch the ingredients in sunscreens, moisturizers and make-up if you have sensitive skin.  Look for parabens-free or hypoallergenic formulas.
9. If you have carpet, consider replacing it with wood or tile flooring.  Carpet is a great place for dust mites, mold, pollen and dander to hide.  If you decide to keep your carpets and rugs, vacuum regularly with a good HEPA filter.
10. Take your shoes off when you enter the house and wash your hands.  Get all the pollen off of you when you enter your house.

Ragweed is coming into season

Fall is a dreaded season for people who suffer from ragweed allergies.  

If you begin to feel allergy symptoms now, you may be allergic to ragweed (or any type of weed).

The Rain Is Giving Us Some Relief From Outdoor Allergies

It has been raining in Northern Virginia for the past two days and it looks like it may rain again tomorrow.  The rain is giving us a break from the pollen, but the pollen will come back with a vengeance later on this week.

On Sunday, I along with many others in the Northern Virginia area noticed an increase in allergy symptoms.  I now have laryngitis because of all the mucous draining down my throat over the weekend.  It's also causing mucous to go into my lungs.  Not even Mucinex and herbal throat tea are helping to get the wheezing to go away.

I may have to go out and buy another bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar.  It clears mucous out, is all natural and doesn't cost much.  Everyone who has recommended it to me has also recommended that I get the organic, all-natural apple cider vinegar with 'the Mother' in it.  I tried it before and it does work, but I ran out during my last bought with mucous.

I have had one neighbor who has laryngitis, not including myself, one friend who developed a sinus infection and another who had very swollen, itchy eyes.

Has anyone else noticed an increase in allergy symptoms?  What were your symptoms?

Tree pollen is high, grass is medium today in Northern Virginia

Today, in Northern Virginia, tree pollen is high and grass is medium. Grass pollen season is just beginning.

If you have not had allergy symptoms until today, you could be allergic to grass.

Tree Pollen Is Very High Today

Tree pollen is very high today in Northern Virginia.  It's at the highest level it has been since last year.  If you are not sure what you are allergic to, but you have sinus issues today, there is a good possibility you are allergic to tree pollen.  

If you are allergic to tree pollen, today is a good day to take allergy medicine and stay indoors.  Keep those windows closed.  If you do go outside today, make sure you leave your shoes at the door and wash your hands as soon as you walk indoors to get that pollen off of you.

Pollen Count Is Low Today!

For the first time in over a month, the pollen count is low in Northern Virginia.  The rain has helped wash the pollen out of the air.  It won't last long though.  Wednesday, we will see one of the highest pollen levels since last year!

The main offender is tree pollen, but grass and weed pollen is starting to have some activity.