Springtime for Migraine Sufferers- 8 Tips for Dealing with Pollen

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Guess what- spring came early this year!  What’s a migraine sufferer to do?  With fluffy pollen and migraine triggering flowery scents wafting through the air, spring season translates into migraine season.  Here are some tips for nipping those sinus headaches in the (rose) bud!

SPRINGTIME FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS- 8 TIPS FOR COPING

Is it global warming coming to fruition?  Don’t know, but  experts warn that this year, allergy season could last an extra month…that’s one more month of migraines triggered by sinus headaches, fragrant flowers, and the scent of fresh-cut grass (yuck!).

Here are eight great tips for coping with springtime migraines:

1- Take your vitamins, minerals, and herbs

Your best line of defense against migraines during allergy season can be found in your medicine cabinet.  Build your immunity  by taking the full lineup of essential vitamins and minerals.

  • Vitamin C helps maintain the body’s natural defenses.
  • Magnesium impacts serotonin receptors.
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), one of many essential B vitamins, is effective at releasing muscular tension.
  • Butterbur root maintains healthy lung function to improve respiratory health.
  • Quercetin is a plant-based ingredient found in tea leaves that is helpful for respiratory health, promoting a healthy response to inflammation, and enhancing feelings of emotional well-being.

2- Shampoo, rinse, and repeat

You might not realize it, but your hair is a magnet for airborne pollen.  Every time you rest your head down on your pillow or brush your hair, you help to spread allergens throughout your home, and increase your chances of getting migraine attacks.  Wash your hair thoroughly every day, following the instructions on the bottle-shampoo, rinse, and repeat!

Keep a hairbrush in your mudroom or on the front porch, and give yourself a few swipes before entering the house.

3- Don’t forget Spot!

Now that your hair is clean and allergen-free, it’s time to wash the dog (or cat)! Pets love to roll around in the cool grass on a warm day, collecting dirt, pollen, leaves, and all kinds of questionable adornments that may give you headaches.  Keep your four-footed friends groomed, and remember to rinse their paws before coming into the home.

SPRINGTIME FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS- 8 TIPS FOR COPING

4- Dry clothes indoors

Air-drying your delicate linens is only a good idea if you don’t happen to be allergic to the air. If pollen and dust give you migraines, then hang your fine washables indoors, or use the gentle setting of your dryer.

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5- Wear your Migraine Glasses

It’s not summer yet, but that’s no reason not to wear your sunglasses.  Aside from reducing migraines by dimming bright lights, sunglasses also protect your sensitive eyes from dust, dirt, and pollen.

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6- Hibernate

Stay indoors when pollen levels are high, typically in the early morning hours and on dry, windy days.  Visit the National Allergy Bureau to check up on pollen and mold counts in your area.  You can’t control the weather, but you can limit migraine triggers by thinking ahead!

7- Fans are not fantastic

Ceiling fans are great for saving money during the summer months, but in the springtime, you’re just spreading dust, mold, pollen, and other migraine-inducing chemicals around.  Whenever possible, opt for the AC, especially in your car.

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8- Copy the Chinese

Your feet track allergens, too!  Take off your shoes before entering the house, and ask that guests do the same.  Your carpet will stay clean longer, meaning fewer runs with the vacuum cleaner.  It’s a win-win habit for migraine sufferers!

SPRINGTIME FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS- 8 TIPS FOR COPING

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Read more about migraine triggers:

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

34 Migraine-Inducing, Stomach-Turning Toxic Chemicals in Perfume

Sources:

A Survival Guide to Spring Allergy Season

NAB Pollen Counts

Image attributions:

Franco Folini, geishaboy500, OakleyOriginals