Few people would disagree that this winter has been particularly challenging. However, March is finally here, and the promise of warmer days lies just around the corner. While everyone welcomes the sunshine, for some, spring means pollen in the air and the start of seasonal allergies.

For people with hay fever, the windborne pollen from grasses, seeds, and trees, can put a damper on their daily activities. Going outside can trigger a range of symptoms and exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. While itchiness, a runny nose, sneezing, and swollen, red, watery eyes, are bad enough, in some cases, pollen can also affect the lungs, causing wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks, allergic bronchitis, and other lung problems.

Breathe easier with skilled and experienced care

Even though it’s possible to have one condition without the other, asthma and allergies often occur together. As a matter of fact, seasonal allergies increase one’s risk for developing asthma. For these reasons, it’s essential to see a physician who is well equipped to provide care for both ailments. At the office of Bel Air, we understand the connection between allergies, asthma, and lung health and work with patients to help prevent attacks as well as manage and treat these conditions. We offer skilled and experienced care to evaluate and diagnose issues affecting lung health and pulmonary function and provide the appropriate medication and therapeutic care to help patients breathe easier.

It helps to take precautions at home

In the Northeast, our pollen counts are dominated by tree pollen in March and April, grass pollen in the late spring, weed pollen in the summer, and ragweed from late summer to first frost. Adding to all this is the fact that allergy season  arrives a bit earlier due to climate change, and there's a higher percentage of pollen in the air than years past.

While our office provides the skilled care required to protect your respiratory health and overall wellbeing; taking the following precautions will reduce your exposure to pollen:

• Avoid the outdoors or limit the time out on days with high pollen counts. You can also wear a facemask to reduce your exposure.
• Take your medications as recommended and prescribed. Remember to keep your asthma inhalers, and allergy treatments close at hand.
• Wash thoroughly or shower after going outdoors when the pollen count is high
• Try to garden in the morning when the pollen counts are the lowest.
• Keep your home clean to further reduce any additional triggers from indoor allergens.

Remember, it's essential to be well informed when dealing with allergies, asthma, lung health, and respiratory function. At the office of Bel Air, we're dedicated to providing advanced and compassionate treatment and treat every patient as a trusted partner in care.