I dread doing summer yard work because it stirs up my seasonal allergies. How can I avoid getting an allergy attack when I’m mowing the lawn and raking leaves?

Ask the Pediatrician

I dread doing summer yard work because it stirs up my seasonal allergies. How can I avoid getting an allergy attack when I’m mowing the lawn and raking leaves?

In the morning, the dew keeps the dust and pollen from rising. The same is true after it rains, and although it may be easier to rake when leaves aren’t wet, the moisture will keep the pollen from flying. You should also of course avoid doing yard work on days with very high pollen counts.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends that ragweed sufferers who must mow, rake, garden or perform other similar outside yard work should wear a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 respirator mask. You can buy these masks online and at medical-supply stores.

ABOUT TODAY'S EXPERT:

Sniffle Solutions expert Ardis Fisch, M.D., runs a functional-medicine practice in Lee, Mass., that focuses on treating chronic illnesses and their causes. She is board-certified in Family Practice.