Ashford Clinic Blog
How can I Exercise with Seasonal Allergies?
If you struggle with seasonal allergies, it can be difficult to maintain an active lifestyle outdoors when being outdoors seems to trigger your symptoms. After all, getting outside and being active is supposed to help you feel better, not worse. Fret not, there are some things you can do to make the great outdoors less aggravating while allergy triggers lurk at every turn. Let's take a look at some specific steps you can take to keep your allergy symptoms in check while you exercise.
Know Your Allergens
A variety of pollens and other substances can cause allergy symptoms in different people during different times of the year - which is a roundabout way of saying that we're not all allergic to the same things in the same ways. With that said, one of the best things you can do to help curb your allergy symptoms while exercising outside is to get allergy tested. Allergy testing can help you determine what exactly causes your symptoms and you can begin a treatment regimen to find lasting relief. Here at Ashford Clinic, that can mean easy and effective Allergy Drops to help you with your specific allergy triggers.
Track the Pollen Count
Based on your Allergy Triggers, certain times of day may be better than others to work out outside. There are websites you can check to monitor the pollen count in your area similar to weather forecasts. Ragweed counts usually peak in early midday, while grass pollen counts are higher in the late afternoon and early evening. Plan your workouts for other times of the day when levels are lower. If you’re in an urban area, winds can bring the pollen in town so that levels peak around midday. Should you decide to go out at high-pollen times, wear a face mask. Using this information to inform when you work out can help to lessen your exposure to your allergy triggers.
Listen to Your Body
If you start to experience allergy symptoms (sneezing, wheezing, itchy and/or watery eyes, etc.) or other symptoms that inhibit your workout, it's time to head inside. It's wise to have an indoor workout "backup plan" for moments like these or days when the pollen count is too high to risk it outside. Always talk with your doctor about any symptoms you may have that occur during or keep you from exercising.
It's important to consult your doctor before you make any changes to your lifestyle that might affect your health. If you'd like to get allergy tested and you're in the Athens/North GA area, give Ashford Clinic a call!
