It may come as a surprise to some people to find out that the common cold symptoms that they have every year as the seasons change, are actually allergies! While allergies are common, they can often be difficult to manage. Read the tips in this article and find out how to live with ease.
Change your bedding frequently, and wash using hot water. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can stick to your clothing and hair and can get deposited on your bedding. Sheets and pillowcases may appear clean, but can harbor irritants that will affect you while you sleep. These allergens easily wash away when the items are cleaned in hot water.
If you are prescribed allergy medication, take it regularly. Prescription allergy medication often works differently than the standard over-the-counter remedy. While OTC allergy medications are taken as needed, many prescription allergy drugs work by maintaining a constant level of the medication in your system. This means that you need to take your pill every day, preferably at the same time of day.
If you are troubled by different allergies in your home, try putting a dehumidifier or two in the common areas of your living space. Reducing the humidity by at least half can really cut down on potential mold growth, and mold is known to be a big contributor to allergies.
Getting rid of carpeting in your home can help your allergies because carpeting often traps a lot of allergens. Check under your carpeting and you may find that you have beautiful hard wood floors hiding underneath. You may like the look better and it will be better for your health and your family’s health.
Do not use wet methods of cleaning your carpeting or rugs. This can actually increase the number of dust mites it harbors, and it increases the likelihood of mildew growth. Stick to dry cleaning methods, instead, if at all possible. The best way to reduce allergens is to ditch the carpeting altogether.
Slow down. When you find yourself dealing with pet allergies, you may initially be distraught and think you have to give up a beloved pet. The truth is there are many ways to deal with this type of problem without losing your loved one. Talk to a medical professional to see what options you have.
You may be quick to travel to a location without thinking about what impact the allergens there may have on you. If someone you know suffers from allergies, especially someone close in your family, this might be a risky move. Before picking a place to go, research it and find out about the weather and how high pollen is.
Almost everyone knows another person who claims to be allergic to practically every substance in the universe and experiences a laundry list of symptoms in response. Actually, the effects of an allergic reaction are limited to any combination of only three symptoms. These include swelling (edema) of the mucosal membranes and skin, increased mucus secretion and smooth muscle spasms. Knowing the true signs of an allergic reaction can help you to determine whether or not medical assistance is needed.
When your allergies are acting up, do not drink or eat any dairy products. These foods and drinks increase the amount of phlegm you have, which is just going to make you feel worse. Foods and drinks you want to avoid are milk, yogurt, and cheese. There are many non-dairy versions of your favorite dairy products.
When it comes to getting help from doctors, many people are uncomfortable with the idea of seeking a second opinion or questioning a diagnosis. However, it is true that many doctors spend only a limited time with patients, and may not ask enough questions. Volunteering this information during your appointment may make it easier to find help for your problem. Getting a referral to an allergist, or other specialist.
Get tested by a doctor to find out what exactly you are allergic to. You can try to find out on your own, but seeing a doctor and having the appropriate blood tests are the only ways to know for sure. Once you have pinpointed the cause of your allergies, you can better treat them.
If you have a dog or cat that goes outside, make sure to wash him or her as often as possible. Outdoor animals tend to bring in all kinds of things from outside, and pollen is just one of the things they carry. Make sure to clean your pet; if possible, have someone else clean your pet to avoid an allergy attack.
Allergies have the irritation that comes with having a cold without the relief that it will end in 1-2 weeks. Instead of letting your symptoms control you, take control of the situation and speak with a doctor. Remember the tips outlined in this article, so you can stop sneezing all the time!
