The weather is warming up and flowers are in bloom, but spring can be a terrible time for allergy sufferers, especially on the job. Here are some ideas for breathing easier this allergy season.

Warmer weather and flowers in bloom aren’t the only signs that spring has arrived, as any allergy sufferer can attest. Each year, a significant portion of the population is unable to enjoy this season because they’re too busy dealing with watery eyes, runny noses and sneezing. Allergy problems can be especially difficult in the workplace, but in addition to medication, there are numerous methods to protect yourself from allergy symptoms and help avoid sneezing on your coworkers.

According to health care resource MedicineNet, approximately 50 million people in North America are affected by allergies and allergy-related costs run to more than $10 billion a year. The most common seasonal allergy symptoms include runny and stuffy noses, sneezing, watery itchy eyes, headaches, pressure and post-nasal drip.

These symptoms can be more than just irritating. At work, allergies can degrade performance, cause employee absences and affect a company’s bottom line. The negative effects are more pronounced during allergy season.

“The average worker with allergies misses about one hour per week over the course of a year. But that sick time is often concentrated during peak allergy periods,” WebMD explains. “An Ohio State University study showed that allergy sufferers can miss up to 32 hours of work in a week when allergens are at their peak. And with 20 to 50 million Americans suffering from some form of seasonal allergies, all that lost work really adds up.”

Dealing with allergies typically entails an initial diagnosis, medication and control of environmental conditions to reduce the impact of allergic reactions. WebMD offers the following tips for helping handle allergies in the workplace:

• If you have carpeting in your workspace, ask to have it removed from your office or cubicle.
• Turn on the air conditioning because it can help eliminate some of the allergens from the air.
• Avoid bringing soft objects, like pillows for your chair, into the office because these items can collect allergens.
• If you spot any water damage in the office fixtures, ask to have it repaired because mold can collect in these locations.
• Plan your schedule carefully. If you know the forecast indicates a day with a high allergen count in the air, try eating lunch indoors instead of venturing outside. If you have to go outdoors, schedule meetings out of the office for later in the day, when the pollen count tends to be lower.

“If your allergies are mild, environmental measures may be enough to control your allergies at work,” WebMD adds. “But people with moderate to severe allergies usually find that they need medication to control symptoms like stuffy and runny noses, sneezing, and headaches.”

In addition to antihistamines and other allergy medications, there are several other measures you can take that may alleviate allergy symptoms. Home remedy resource Home Remedies for You recommends taking Vitamin E to increase your body’s ability to resist allergens, setting up air purifiers in areas where you spend a lot of time and avoiding activities that may stir up dust.

Plant pollen is one of the most common springtime allergens and, because it is easily spread and can travel long distances, one of the most difficult to avoid. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology offers the following suggestions for keeping pollen allergies at bay:

• Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from drifting indoors.
• Minimize your early-morning activities because that’s when pollen is most prevalent.
• Keep your car windows closed when commuting.
• Stay indoors when the pollen count is high.
• Consider taking a vacation during the peak of the pollen season. Areas near the beach or the coast tend to have lower pollen counts.
• Avoid freshly cut grass and machine dry your clothing and bedding.

While allergy season can be a difficult time of year, careful planning and attention to detail can help anyone develop the strategies for dealing with most allergic effects. And although requesting changes or upkeep at your workplace may cost your company some money, remember that, as ABC News explains, “unproductive employees can cost a company far more than a leaky roof.”

Resources

Allergy/Allergies
by Alan Szeftel
MedicineNet, April 12, 2007

Managing Allergies at Work
by Gina Shaw
WebMD, July 1, 2008

11 Tips on Allergies and Home Remedies
Home Remedies for You, March 4, 2010

Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2010

Preventing Allergies at Work Takes a Multi-Pronged Approach
by Radha Chitale
ABC News, Sept. 3, 2008