I received immunotherapy for pollen allergy several years ago, and while I rarely get sick these days, I’m definitely feeling the effects of pollen today. (The pollen count is well over 2000 here in Atlanta!) The short walk to my car this morning was all it took to bring on the sniffles.

It’s almost as if I can feel the microscopic pollen grains tickling my nasal mucosa. I really just want to take a nap, but the work day has just begun. What can I do?

Luckily, I work at achooallergy.com, so I have plenty of options.

For immediate allergy relief, I need to get those pollen grains out of my nose! A saline rinse will do the job. Some people use pump bottles. Others prefer the high-tech SinuPulse Elite Nasal Irrigation System. I’m going to use the simple, ancient neti pot, recently popularized by Dr. Mehmet Oz on The Oprah Winfrey Show. I will fill the neti pot with saline (salt water), lean over a sink, and pour the saline in one nostril, allowing it to drain out the other and wash away the pollen.

How to Use a Neti Pot

Here’s a neti pot demonstration video that I found on youtube.com:

Yes, it looks a little odd, like it might even be uncomfortable, but I can assure you that it’s easy, painless, and extremely refreshing. Your nose will love it. Now it’s my turn…

Ahh…I feel better already! Eliminate the allergens in your environment (and in your nostrils), and your allergy symptoms will improve drastically.

How to Avoid Pollen

Of course, you can’t eliminate outdoor pollen, but here are some tips for dealing with it:

• Don’t hang your laundry outside to dry.
• Shower after spending time outdoors, or at least wash your face and hands with cold water to rinse away pollen grains.
• Limit outdoor activity in the early morning hours when pollen is released.
• Limit outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Visit the National Allergy Bureau to check your local pollen count or use a pollen tracker for real-time updates on pollen levels in your area.
• Avoid mowing the lawn. If you cannot avoid yard work, wear a mask.
• Take your allergy medication at least an hour before going outdoors.
• Keep windows closed or use a window filter.
• Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.
• Change your furnace filters at least once a month; or, if you have permanent air filters, wash them once a month.
• Take advantage of Allergy Armor