While many people eagerly anticipate spring, others with severe allergies have learned to dread the season. If you’re one of the people that experience this, then this guide will help you through it.
For safety’s sake, remember to use over-the-counter antihistamine when you are at home. Most of these products have ingredients that could make you sleepy or disturb your reflexes. Even if the packaging does not contain a warning, when you take the first couple of doses, do it during a time that you are able to stay home and see how it makes you feel.
You might find your allergies easier to deal with if you can eliminate rugs and carpeting from your living space. Carpet never becomes completely clean, and dust, mites, dander and pollen cling to the fibers. Try to install flooring that be swept and mopped.
Be sure to wash thoroughly before you lay down for the night. Pollen can collect on the surface of your skin and in your hair, which may cause an allergic reaction while you sleep. Simply hop in the shower to cleanse the day away, and avoid nighttime allergy symptoms.
Dust Mites
Except in extreme conditions, dust mites are almost impossible to avoid. Dust mites thrive in the bedroom. They feed on dead skin cells found mostly on pillows and mattresses. That’s gross! In order to manage this problem, use zippered pillow cases and mattress covers. You also need to wash your bedding in some hot water every week as that kills them.
Skin tests for allergens are helpful in determining exactly what you are allergic to, but not so good for figuring out how allergic you are to a certain substance. For instance, tests may show that you have sensitivity with a specific variety of spore. However, that spore may only result in a mild reaction or you might not have a reaction at all.
Are you aware that your body may be causing some of your allergies? This is often true! Everyday, as you move around your business, allergy triggers, such as dust and pollen, can get trapped within your hair and clothes. By the time you get home countless allergens have settled onto your person, where they may attack your immune system. Try showering and wear fresh night-clothes prior to sleeping in order to sleep good at night.
If you’re exercising when pollen levels are high, try doing it in the late evening or early morning. Studies have shown pollen counts are lowest during these times.
If you have not had success with your first few attempts to relieve your allergies, don’t give up. You should try medications ranging from oral to herbal remedies. You can find things like saline sprays over-the-counter, nasal steroids, leukotriene blockers or allergy eye drops that can help you find allergy relief.
If your child has food allergies, pack safe foods when traveling. When you are in an unfamiliar place, it can sometimes be difficult to find or read nutrition labels and ingredients – making it much easier to accidentally trigger a reaction from common ingredients, such as nuts and soy.
Something which triggers an allergy attack is at what time you exercise and where you are doing it. The more you exercise, the harder you breathe. If you exercise inside and at the time the pollen population is not as high, it will reduce your pollen intake.
Eliminate the triggers of allergies. Dust can cause allergic reactions, so be sure to dust often to remove this potential problem. Keeping your pets groomed and clean at all times may help your allergy to pet dander; another option is find a new home for them. Furthermore, dusting and vacuuming is key in order to reduce the amount of pet dander in the air.
Allergic Reaction
When traveling, always remember to pack extra allergy medication. You may not be able to foresee an allergic reaction in a new location. If you’ve ever suffered from a severe reaction due to allergies, it may be wise to carry around an Epi-pen, as well. These single dose epinephrine shots can save your life in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
When the pollen count is high, don’t open your windows. Although circulating air through your house is important, opening your windows while the pollen count is high can be counter-productive. Typically, this is from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. After 3pm, open the windows in your home to get the stuffy air out.
If you have spent at least an hour or so outdoors, you have likely picked up a few unwanted airborne allergens. This is why you should take a hot shower immediately upon returning from a long outdoor trip. If you can’t take a shower right away, at least do so before sleeping. Allergens like pollen, dust, and spores will wash away under running water. It is quite possible that they have lodged in your hair or on your skin.
For a touch of clean, sun-kissed fragrance on your clothes and linens, your best bet is to use lightly scented dryer sheets, fabric softener or laundry detergent. You may get a great scent on your clothing when you hang it out to dry. However, clothes that dry outside collect pollen and dust particles. This is a good for those that don’t have a sensitivity towards fragrance and dye.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergies can have a major effect on your life. However, you do not simply have to sit back and quietly suffer from your allergy symptoms. You will find many ways to combat allergy symptoms, and easily reduce or possibly eliminate them. Start using the advice you have learned from this article right away.
