Apples for Health- Allergist: Avoid pollen -- if you can

Allergist: Avoid pollen -- if you can

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., March 23 (UPI) -- Alleviating springtime allergies begins with avoiding pollen, if possible, a U.S. doctor advises.

Dr. Catherine Monteleone, a board-certified allergist at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, suggests keeping car and home windows closed and, if necessary, the air conditioner on.

"If you have to be outside, wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from pollen and do activities later in the day, because pollen is released early," Monteleone says in a statement. "When you return home, shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes because the pollen will stick to you."

It may also help to avoid irritants such as strong perfumes or tobacco smoke, but at the start of symptoms -- runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, ears and throat, wheezing or shortness of breath -- take medication.

"Don't wait until you're miserable," Monteleone warns. "Try over-the-counter medications and, if those don't work, see your doctor, who can prescribe medication that may be more helpful. Don't give up on treatment because there is something out there that will help."