How to Manage Springtime Allergies & Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Most people are affected by at least some form of springtime allergies, even if they don't recognize them as such. My most debilitating allergy has always been with pollen, which in Houston begins to take over the city around the middle of March. Since I also have ulcerative colitis, managing both issues simultaneously has always been a bit of a challenge.

When you're suffering from springtime allergies, the headaches and other symptoms can compound the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, making life nearly unbearable. You've got pressure in your head and sinuses, pain in your bowels, and a constant feeling of nausea. If you suffer from both springtime allergies and ulcerative colitis, follow these tips to make life easier to handle.

1- Take Your Medication

For the longest time, I didn't do anything about my springtime allergies other than pop a few tabs of over-the-counter medicine now and then. I've since come to realize, however, that prescription medicine is far more powerful, and can ease the discomfort already caused by ulcerative colitis. I now start allergy medication around the beginning of March, and continue taking my medicine for ulcerative colitis at the same time.

Of course, you'll need to talk to your doctor and make sure he knows that you suffer from both springtime allergies and ulcerative colitis. Some prescription medications don't go well together, causing even further illness, so it's important you keep all of your physicians up-to-date. That way, they can devise a drug regimen that won't cause a downhill slide in your health.

2- Limit Time Outdoors

Springtime allergies are caused by irritants that come from outside, such as pollen mentioned above. When spring starts to roll around, you might be tempted to enjoy the sunshine, but don't spend too much time outdoors. If you remain inside, your symptoms will decrease and you'll be able to better manage your ulcerative colitis.

3- Buy an Air Purifier

This is something that my wife and I finally decided to do about a year ago, and it was quite possibly the best decision we ever made. An air purifier removes irritants from your indoor environment, decreasing the symptoms of springtime allergies. Furthermore, increased ventilation and circulation will make the atmosphere more comfortable, which I've found to ease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis as well.

4- Get Plenty of Sleep

Coping with springtime allergies and ulcerative colitis at the same time takes an enormous toll on the body. You'll feel better if you listen to your instincts and judge your fatigue levels objectively, increasing or decreasing your sleep as needed. I frequently take mid-afternoon naps to combat the exhaustion caused by allergies and UC, and although I sometimes feel older than I am, it makes a big difference.

5- Take Hot Baths

Steam has a positive impact on both ulcerative colitis and springtime allergies, so take time out of your day for a soak now and then. The steam will help clear your sinuses and improve your breathing, while relaxing your body to ease the tension caused by ulcerative colitis.