Blooming flowers and budding trees are making a welcome return as spring ushers in the rewards of a cold and lifeless winter. But for some, breathing in the warm spring air may bring days of misery aggravated by chest congestion, watery eyes and a stopped up nose. An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from these symptoms often termed as hay fever. According to the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the scientific term for those runny noses and itching eyes and throat is allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis is caused by airborne pollen.
But the type of pollen differs each season. The good news is that allergic rhinitis sufferers can still enjoy the warm weather without the aggrevating symptoms. The best way to cope with these pollens and make life easier on your nose is to stay inside during the hours that the pollen rate is at its highest. Usually the early morning and late afternoon are the worst times to be outside. Going for a jog after a rainfall is best, because rain cleans the pollen out of the air.