Seasonal allergies are an exceedingly common ailment; many of us will struggle with allergies to things like pollen at one point or another in our lives. If you struggle with allergies, you may be surprised to know that there are many different options available to you to help manage your symptoms.
If you must work, drive or otherwise function all day, stay away from allergy medications that induce drowsiness. A number of less-drowsy formulas are available now, such as loratadine. These medications provide a safer way to control your symptoms on the days that you cannot nap in the middle of the afternoon.
When doing chores that could bother your allergies, wear a face mask. This may include dusting, vacuuming and lawn work. Sure, a face mask may not be very attractive, but it will prevent dusts and other particles from triggering your allergy symptoms. Face masks can be purchased at your local hardware store.
You really should not be engaging in yard work if you have allergies. No matter how much it is needed, or you may enjoy it. Mowing, raking and pruning will expose you to a ton of allergens. Trade off those tasks with another family member, roommate, or friend who can help you to avoid working too much in the yard.
It is not uncommon for your own body to be a culprit in your allergy attacks. It’s really true. A lot of pollen and dusts sticks to your body and clothes and goes back home with you. At night, as you retire into bed, your airways can be affected by these items. Have a shower and grab some fresh clothes before you head off to bed each night.
For those who love the idea of toiling in their own vegetable garden, allergies caused by mold and pollen can seem especially oppressive. Fortunately, this does not mean would-be gardeners have to give up their hobby altogether. Instead, they must outwit outdoor allergens. The ideal time to garden is immediately after a storm when rainwater flushes away clouds of pollen, spores and other allergens. Alternately, one could use a garden hose to spray the area in which they plan to work.
During seasons when the pollen count is high, be sure to exercise outdoors only in the very early morning or during the evening hours. Experts have determined that pollen concentrations are at their nadir during these times, so you won’t suffer as many allergy symptoms.
Think about pulling up the carpet in your home. Carpeting is a magnet for allergens such as pollen, dust and dust mites. If your house is carpeted, you may want to consider switching to laminate or hardwood floors instead. This can greatly reduce allergy-causing substances that you could breathe in. If you must live with wall-to-wall carpeting, run the vacuum cleaner every day.
To keep allergies at bay, try adding a bit of horseradish, or hot mustard to your foods. These act as a natural decongestant. They offer a good alternative to allergy medications, that may cause drowsiness, and morning fatigue. Of course, this is not a good idea for children, as spicy substances can cause them a lot of misery!
Many children have difficulty swallowing medication in pill or capsule form, making it a major undertaking to get allergy medication down without tears or a fight. If this sounds like your little one, consider switching to an orally disintegrating tablet. These lozenges dissolve quickly on the tongue and taste like fruit or mint.
If your allergies are quite bad and keeping your home allergen free is not working as well as you hoped. You might want to consider taking some allergy medications. Talk to your doctor to find out if there is a medication out there that may work well to help combat some of your symptoms.
When planning a vacation, consider your destination carefully. Unfortunately, it’s best to be picky when planning your trip–especially if you are allergy-prone. Make a list of places you would like to visit, and then do a little research on topics such as potential allergy triggers, pollen counts, and weather conditions.
Remove all pet hair from upholstery by vacuuming at least once a week. There are some vacuums available with a pet hair attachment that is better at picking up pet hair. Don’t allow your pets on your furniture to avoid any build-up of dander or hair in the future.
If allergies are causing blocked sinuses and head pain, try this tip for speedy relief. First, soak a piece of cotton with a liquid nasal decongestant. Pack each nostril with the cotton, then allow it to remain there for about five minutes. Many allergy sufferers report that, this offers significant relief from pain. However, this trick is best used no more than once daily.
You do not have to accept allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing as simply inevitable. There are many things that you can do to gain relief from seasonal allergies; hiding out inside is no longer your only option! So go out and enjoy the world!
