8 Tricks for Tackling Spring Allergies

Reduce runny noses and red eyes with these easy tips.

Shower Frequently - Springtime brings about blossoming flowers, lush greenery and warmer weather, but for many people, that also means sneezing, sinus congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Commonly caused by irritating tree pollen, seasonal allergic rhinitis—also known as hay fever—affects millions of adults each year. Follow these simple tips to help reduce those pesky symptoms. It may not be visible to the naked eye, but pollen sticks to our clothing and hair when we're outside. To prevent microscopic pollen from joining you in your living space, make sure to take off your outdoor clothes, toss them into your hamper and shower before lounging around your home. (Photo: Tim Pannell/Corbis)

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Shower Frequently - Springtime brings about blossoming flowers, lush greenery and warmer weather, but for many people, that also means sneezing, sinus congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Commonly caused by irritating tree pollen, seasonal allergic rhinitis—also known as hay fever—affects millions of adults each year. Follow these simple tips to help reduce those pesky symptoms. It may not be visible to the naked eye, but pollen sticks to our clothing and hair when we're outside. To prevent microscopic pollen from joining you in your living space, make sure to take off your outdoor clothes, toss them into your hamper and shower before lounging around your home. (Photo: Tim Pannell/Corbis)

Wash Your Bedding - Despite our best efforts, some pollen will still wind up in our beds, which can further irritate symptoms overnight. Washing your bedding in hot, soapy water about once a week will help prevent buildup. Also, skip drying your laundry outside. While the fresh, outdoor scent is appealing, you risk aggravating your symptoms, especially on high pollen count days (click here to track pollen patterns near you).(Photo: Sean Justice/Corbis)

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Wash Your Bedding - Despite our best efforts, some pollen will still wind up in our beds, which can further irritate symptoms overnight. Washing your bedding in hot, soapy water about once a week will help prevent buildup. Also, skip drying your laundry outside. While the fresh, outdoor scent is appealing, you risk aggravating your symptoms, especially on high pollen count days (click here to track pollen patterns near you).(Photo: Sean Justice/Corbis)

Use High-Efficiency Filters - Reduce the amount of airborne allergens in your home by using a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter in your air conditioning unit and vacuum. You can also purchase a portable HEPA filter as an alternative.(Photo: Ale Ventura/PhotoAlto/Corbis)

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Use High-Efficiency Filters - Reduce the amount of airborne allergens in your home by using a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter in your air conditioning unit and vacuum. You can also purchase a portable HEPA filter as an alternative.(Photo: Ale Ventura/PhotoAlto/Corbis)

Bathe Your Pet - We love our four-legged friends, but there's a good chance they're tracking pollen into the house after frolicking outside. Try to lessen the amount of time your pet spends outside if you suffer heavily from spring allergies. If that's not an option, bathe your pet frequently. (Photo: Larry Williams/Corbis)

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Bathe Your Pet - We love our four-legged friends, but there's a good chance they're tracking pollen into the house after frolicking outside. Try to lessen the amount of time your pet spends outside if you suffer heavily from spring allergies. If that's not an option, bathe your pet frequently. (Photo: Larry Williams/Corbis)

Start With Your Comforter - Switching up your bedding is an easy way to begin updating your bedroom. And nowadays, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on duvet covers or comforters. You can go to Ikea, Marshall’s, Home Goods and other discount stores and find something amazing for an amazing price. (Photo: BDLM/cultura/Corbis)

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Keep Allergens Outside - The gentle spring breeze might be tempting, but your windows should be closed while you're at home to keep tree pollen and mold spore-filled air outside. (Photo: BDLM/cultura/Corbis)

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Wear Larger Sunglasses - In addition to adding some movie star glamour to your look, large shades will also help block pollen from getting into your eyes. And don't forget to wash your hands and face once coming inside.(Photo: Dave and Les Jacobs/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Wear Larger Sunglasses - In addition to adding some movie star glamour to your look, large shades will also help block pollen from getting into your eyes. And don't forget to wash your hands and face once coming inside.(Photo: Dave and Les Jacobs/Blend Images/Corbis)

Cool Your Eyes - Because swollen and red eyes are not a good look, apply a cold compress, like cucumber slices or a damp cloth, to your eyes or use refrigerated eye drops to combat those symptoms. Contact wearers should also be vigilant, as allergens can get trapped under their lenses. Switching from monthly lenses to daily ones will help prevent allergen buildup. (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

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Cool Your Eyes - Because swollen and red eyes are not a good look, apply a cold compress, like cucumber slices or a damp cloth, to your eyes or use refrigerated eye drops to combat those symptoms. Contact wearers should also be vigilant, as allergens can get trapped under their lenses. Switching from monthly lenses to daily ones will help prevent allergen buildup. (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

Watch What You Eat - Look out for certain fruits, nuts and herbs if you have tree pollen allergies. Apples, pears, peaches, almonds, hazelnuts and similar foods might cause a cross-reaction, which means an itchy throat and prickling sensation in your mouth. People with ragweed allergies should also avoid echinacea. Ask your doctor for an allergy test to find a treatment plan that works for you.(Photo: Tetra Images/Corbis)

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Watch What You Eat - Look out for certain fruits, nuts and herbs if you have tree pollen allergies. Apples, pears, peaches, almonds, hazelnuts and similar foods might cause a cross-reaction, which means an itchy throat and prickling sensation in your mouth. People with ragweed allergies should also avoid echinacea. Ask your doctor for an allergy test to find a treatment plan that works for you.(Photo: Tetra Images/Corbis)