It’s that time of year again. You’re sneezing. You have a runny nose. Your eyes, nose and throat itch. There are dark circles under your eyes. You’re struggling with the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Bradley Rankin, M.D., allergist at Western Baptist Hospital, said in people with seasonal allergies, the body perceives certain pollens and molds as enemies. Researchers have not yet discovered a cure for allergies, but various strategies—alone or in combination— can provide relief. Many prescription and nonprescription medications often can control the symptoms. Your doctor may suggest allergy shots if your symptoms last for several months of the year.

Rankin said you can minimize the effects that pollen and mold have on your body by:

• Avoiding outdoors during the highpollen hours of 5 to 10 a.m.
• Using air conditioning, which can help keep molds and pollen out of the house or car. Also, an air filter can offer added protection in the house.
• Using a dehumidifier in the basement, bathroom and other damp areas of your home since molds thrive on dampness.
• Drying clothes and sheets in a dryer, rather than hanging them outside where they can collect pollen and mold.
• Keeping your lawn mowed and your leaves raked regularly. If possible, have someone else perform these tasks. If you must do these chores, wear a face mask to filter out pollen and mold.
• Washing your hair and changing clothes when you come in from outdoors to avoid further exposure to pollen and mold.

For more information on allergies and respiratory infections, visit the Online Health Encyclopedia at westernbaptist.com. The Online Health Encyclopedia offers more than 11,000 pages of comprehensive, patient-friendly information on diseases, symptoms, medical tests, injuries and other common health and medical questions. More than 1,500 medical topics are enhanced by hundreds of medical illustrations, photos and diagrams. The Health Encyclopedia content is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission.