ALLERGIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

n Having allergies doesn’t mean you have to live your life indoors permanently; from parks to trails, there’s still something for everyone.

Going outside is all that we crave to do when the weather is nice in Austin, but if you’re prone to outdoor allergies, it can make for a different story.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors and manage your allergies; all it takes is a little planning ahead and knowing what areas and activities will trigger your allergies so you can enjoy being outside without having to worry about sneezing fits or other unpleasant allergy symptoms.

A key thing to keep in mind is that the strongest allergy season in Austin to watch out for is cedar season, which is when the cedar trees release pollen into the air. To avoid this, it’s best to plan your outdoor activities before or after cedar season, which typically lasts from mid-December through mid-February.

Here are tips for making the most out of Austin while managing your allergies:

Go Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake is a great water sport by which you can enjoy the outdoors, but allergies often make this more challenging, especially when the wind picks up on the water. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make your experience more enjoyable. First, plan your kayaking trip for early morning or late evening when pollen counts are lower. This will help reduce your exposure to allergens and make it easier to breathe.

Second, consider wearing a mask while kayaking. This will help filter out airborne allergens and protect your lungs from pollen and other irritants. You can use these same types of masks when camping in and around Austin.

Third, bring antihistamines or other allergy medications to help reduce symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes.

Stroll Through Zilker Botanical Garden

Zilker Botanical Garden is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beauty of nature in Texas. However, it might be every allergy-prone person’s worst nightmare to be surrounded by so many plants and flowers.

One thing you can do to manage your allergies is to try to avoid areas with an abundance of flowers or plants that could trigger your allergic reaction. Instead, stick to open areas with fewer plants and trees if possible. And, if you start feeling symptoms, consider taking a break in an indoor space until they pass — no need to try to white-knuckle it and push your limits; waiting until your symptoms pass will make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Picnic at Butler Park

Having a picnic at Butler Park is another excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. Though allergies can make picnics less enjoyable, there are ways to work around this.

For instance, always make sure to plan ahead before you head out for your picnic. Check the pollen count for the day, and plan accordingly. If you know that cedar trees are a trigger for you, try to avoid areas of the park where cedar trees are more present.

Also, consider bringing allergy medication along and wearing protective clothing. For instance, wearing long sleeves and pants can help reduce exposure to allergens like pollen and grasses. This is especially true for those older adults used to staying indoors with home care. Lastly, try to stay hydrated as it helps keep your body functioning correctly and can help reduce symptoms of allergies like sneezing or congestion.

Enjoying the outdoors in Austin doesn’t have to be difficult if you suffer from allergies. Following the tips above and planning ahead can help you still make the most of your outdoor experiences while managing your allergies. So grab your allergy medication, wear protective clothing and head out for a great day outside in Austin! afm

About the Author

Rachel Melegrito left her career as a university instructor to become a full-fledged content writer. She is also a licensed occupational therapist and a budding SEO strategist.

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Sam Hacker

Courtesy of Riley Woods