Does spring have you sniffling and sneezing? Tips for easing the pain of seasonal allergies. Spring has sprung. Trees have burst into leaf, flowers are budding ?and for millions of allergy-sufferers, sneezing, congestion, sniffling and itchy eyes have become a way of life. The major culprits? In early spring, it뭩 the wind-borne pollen from trees, and later on, grasses cause even more trouble. For most people, allergy symptoms are worst during hot, dry or windy days when there뭩 a lot of pollen and mold in the air. And while you might not be able to completely avoid allergy symptoms, you can take steps to ease the pain. Here are some tips from The Mayo Clinic. Reduce your exposure to pollen There are several ways you can reduce your exposure to allergy triggers: ?Stay indoors on windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps to clear pollen from the air. You can also get a heads-up on out door allergens by checking the pollen forecast and air quality index in your local weather report. ?Delegate yard work, such as mowing the lawn, pulling weeds and other gardening chores. If you do work outside, wear a dust mask and avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest. ?Keep the outdoors outside by closing your windows (including car windows). Remember that your window screens cannot protect you from microscopic pollen and mould spores. Allergens also have the annoying habit of sticking to clothing, so shower and change immediately after outdoor activities, and avoid drying sheets or clothes outside. Also, avoid tracking allergens all over your home by leaving your shoes at the door ?preferably on a rubber mat that won뭪 trap particles and can be cleaned easily. ?Ban your pets from your bed or couch since pollen clings to pet fur. (For more on pets, see Dodge the dander.) ?When pollen counts are high, consider taking your allergy medication before symptoms start. Keep indoor air clean Here are some ways to help eliminate allergens from your home: ?Use the air conditioner in your house (and car). ?Install a micron allergy-grade filter in your ventilation system. ?Use a dehumidifier to help keep indoor air dry. ?Consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom. ?Clean floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA filter. And last but not least, don뭪 skip the spring-cleaning! (See Bring spring to your home.) If you뭨e allergic to dust mites, you may want to take these extra steps: ?Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers. ?Wash sheets and blankets in water temperature of at least 130 F (54 C). ?Vacuum floors frequently (at least weekly). ?Consider replacing your carpets with laminate flooring or another hard material that won뭪 collect dust mites and other allergens. (This is especially important for your bedroom). ?Swap your old dust rag for a microfibre clothe that will trap dust better.