Springtime in Zachary brings azaleas and sunny days, but it also delivers exceptionally high grass pollen levels. According to weather.com, grass pollen in the Baton Rouge area, including Zachary, is currently at historically high levels, making enjoying the springtime activities challenging for everyone dealing with allergies and asthma.

If you're experiencing extra sneezing, itchy eyes, or coughing—especially if you have asthma—you're definitely not alone. Here are some helpful tips to navigate these pollen-heavy days:

1. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on daily pollen forecasts. Knowledge is power!

2. Choose Your Moments: Grass pollen counts peak during late mornings and early afternoons. Try to limit outdoor activities during these times, if possible.

3. Keep Indoors Clear: Use your air conditioner and ensure filters are fresh. HEPA filters can also help dramatically reduce indoor allergens. It's also a great time to change out those filters going into spring. 

4. Rinse Off: After being outside, shower and change your clothes to remove pollen and avoid bringing it inside your home. It's also more important than ever to wash your bedding frequently, especially the pillow cases. 

5. Medication Matters: Over-the-counter antihistamines and eye drops can ease allergy symptoms, but asthma sufferers should also keep inhalers readily available and follow their asthma action plan closely. Urgent care centers are seeing a lot of allergy walk-ins right now with people needing a short term course of steroids. Talk to your doctor if symptoms worsen or become frequent.

6. Shut the Windows: Beautiful weather tempts open windows but keeping them closed during peak pollen times helps reduce indoor pollen exposure.

7. Shield Your Eyes: Sunglasses aren't just stylish—they're a barrier against irritating pollen. If your eye allergies are really bad though, there are also allergy eye drops and eye irrigation systems that can provide relief. 

Extra Asthma Considerations:

• Monitor asthma symptoms closely during high pollen days. If you notice increased wheezing, coughing, or tightness in your chest, take steps quickly to manage these signs.

• Make sure your asthma medication is refilled and ready to use. I personally realized that I only had about 10 Singulair pills on hand when I checked this morning. Time for a refill!

• I know this might give everyone some terrible Covid flashbacks, but consider wearing a face mask outdoors, especially if gardening or cutting the grass, to reduce pollen inhalation.