Untreated allergies can interfere with your life in multiple ways. It can mess with your sleep, make it difficult for you to concentrate at work, and even impair your driving ability.

Allergies Affect Driving Ability

A 2014 study found that people with allergies had an impaired driving performance comparable to having a blood alcohol level of .05%.

Taking steps to treat your allergies can help counteract the effect they have on your driving. One of the best ways to do that is to allergy-proof your car.

Tips for Keeping Your Car Allergen Free

• Vacuum regularly. Unwanted pollen, dust mites and other allergens can get into your car and trigger your allergy symptoms. To help prevent this, vacuum the interior of your car regularly, including the backs of seats, headrests and anywhere there is fabric.
• Wipe down the interior of the car. In addition to vacuuming, it’s also helpful to wipe down the windows, dashboard, steering wheel, cup holders and the rest of your car to remove additional allergens and help keep your car clean.
• Keep your windows rolled up. While in the summer it may be especially tempting to roll down the window and feel the breeze on the open road, doing so can let in pollen into your car. Keep the windows up and use the A/C instead to stay cool while avoiding sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
• Change your cabin air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can actually blow allergens back into your car. It’s recommended that the air filter be replaced every 12,000 miles or more frequently if you drive in heavy traffic or there is lots of dirt in the air. Visit Midtown Tire or another local automotive service shop when you’re due for a replacement.
• Avoid mold spores. Mold spores can quickly grow on damp places in the car. That may be from leaving wet clothes or towels inside your vehicle to not cleaning up food or drink spills right away. Make sure to wipe away any moisture in your car right away.
• Keep the outside clean as well. Pollen that gets on the outside of your car can easily get inside if you or a fellow passenger brush against it before getting into your vehicle. Wash your car regularly to reduce buildup.
• Keep allergy medication nearby. If you’re already experiencing allergy symptoms, having allergy medication on you can offer relief from your symptoms and make driving easier. Just make sure not to take any medication that may make you drowsy or impair your driving ability.

For more questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call ENT of Georgia North today.