Aach-oo!: Allergy Relief Tips From An Expert

Business is booming at Allergy and Asthma Family Care Center on Bell Boulevard in Bayside.

"This is the busiest we've been in years," said Dr. Robert Mittman, a Bayside resident and veteran physician with a specialty that includes alleviating the sniffling, sneezing and aching associated with seasonal allergies.

And after a snowy winter and wet spring, this year has proven to be particularly miserable for those used to experiencing seasonal allergies, as well as people like Elaine Mellman, a Flushing resident who used to brag to friends about her ability to withstand the annual onslaught of tree, flower and grass pollen.

"It's hit me like a freight truck this year," Mellman said at  on Tuesday. "I've already gone through an entire box of tissues in my car."

So to provide some relief to those suffering this year, here are some helpful and easy tips to alleviate allergy symptoms, courtesy of Dr. Mittman:

1. Early morning activity (between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.) should be kept to a minimum as pollen levels are highest during these hours. Limit outdoor activities on days of high humidity.

2. In the event you do not have central air conditioning, place a window unit in your bedroom and run it at night (while pollen levels are low). This will clean, cool and dry the air. Do not keep windows or doors open in your house.

3. While driving, keep the windows closed and the air conditioner turned on.

4. Avoid outdoor exercising when pollen, mold and pollution levels are high, such as on windy days or in the morning.

5. Do not cut your grass, rake leaves or go hiking through dense undergrowth. But if you have to perform these types of activities, wear a dust or pollen mask while doing it, then wash your hair, shower and change clothes immediately afterward.

6. Wear sunglasses/eyeglasses to shield your eyes from pollen.

7. Avoid wearing contact lenses (pollen will get trapped on them).

8. Avoid irritants such as smoke, paint, perfume, dust, insecticides, etc.

9. Showing, shampooing your hair and placing your clothes in the hamper when you arrive home cuts down the pollen inside your home.

10. Do not hang your laundry out to dry as it will collect pollens and mold spores from the air. Instead use a dryer. 

11. Install an air clear in your home (portable units are also available) to assist in reducing the amount of indoor allergens.

12. Change air conditioner filters on a regular basis.

13. Consider vacationing near a seashore or where pollen counts are low.