10 Tips For the Asthmatic Gardner

I noticed in the paper today there were some tips and recommendations for planting in spring and summer. With increased time in your summer garden, the asthmatic gardener may be at risk for worsening asthma symptoms. These 10 tips from American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology can prevent seasonal allergies from worsening your asthma and keep you in the garden longer:

1. Wear a protective pollen mask while gardening
2. Shower after gardening to reduce seasonal allergen exposure in your home
3. Keep grass cut short and avoid mowing yourself if possible
4. Keep your hands away from your eyes and nose while gardening
5. Garden when pollen counts are lowest- typically rainy, wet, cloudy and windless days
6. After gardening, leave your clothes in your laundry room and brush off your shoes.
7. Use gardening gloves to minimize direct contact with allergens
8. Do not garden or limit your gardening to short time periods on "high" pollen days
9. Avoid poison ivy/sumac/oak- Where long pants and shirts or consider barrier skin creams to prevent unwanted contact with these allergens
10. If you are mold allergic, avoid damp, moist places and standing water