Allergy symptoms are common, and they are also frustrating. An allergy sufferer deal with day to day wheezing, sneezing and watery eyes. If you are one of these sufferers, relief is available. There are many, highly recommended methods that can help you to deal with your symptoms and find a little relief.

If you suffer with allergies and thinking about getting a pet, choose one that has short fur. Short-haired animals don’t impact allergies nearly as bad as long-haired ones do. Don’t let you pets sleep in your bed if you don’t want to have an allergic reaction.

People who have severe allergic reactions need to call 911 when they feel the symptoms coming on. This is the best and quickest way to get help and ensure that you do not end up in a more critical condition. Allergic reactions can come on fast, and some can even lead to death, so take the proper measures to get help quickly.

If you rely heavily on nasal decongestants to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, you may be at risk for experiencing a rebound effect. When this happens, you may experience additional swelling and irritation. If you become hooked on these drugs, you should make an effort avoid using them for a period of 72 hours at a time. During this time, switch to an antihistamine to reduce swelling caused by withdrawal.

If you suffer from food allergies, do not be afraid to ask about ingredients at gatherings or carry-ins. Most people will not mind telling you what is in a dish, and you can avoid potentially harmful reactions. If you are concerned about having enough to eat, prepare a dish to share that you know is safe for you to eat.

If you have allergies and are facing yard work, protect yourself with a mask! Any inexpensive painter’s mask will help to keep pollen from the grass and flowers from bothering you. Wear one whenever you have to kick up leaves, mow the lawn or trim hedges, and you should reduce the symptoms you experience.

Protect your hair. If you have mid-length to long hair, you probably already know that spending time outdoors means coming back with pollen in your hair. Mold, spores and other allergens become trapped in your hair and may then come into contact with your pillow at night. If possible, tuck all of your hair into a hat whenever you go outside for longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

Avoid using throw rugs in your home. These can collect dust and mold and can make allergies worse. If you must have rugs in your home, choose ones that can be washed. You should wash them at least once every few weeks to minimize the build up of dust and mold.

Sometimes pet owners wonder if their pets contribute to their allergies. In order to find out, have a doctor test you for an allergy to pet dander. You won’t have to re-home your pet, but you might need to make certain changes.

Many doctors are more than willing to write prescriptions for the latest and greatest allergy medications, but some are utterly clueless about the high price tag. If you are having a hard time paying for these medications, ask for samples or contact the drug manufacturer to inquire about patient assistance programs.

A good way to reduce your exposure to allergens is to close your windows and doors in the morning and night. Many of the common allergens are at their peak during these times of the day. Most outdoor allergens are pollen. Natural sources like pollen are at their highest levels at these times of the day.

If you have at least one known food allergy, there is a fair chance that you may be allergic to other foods in the same group. For example, you may be allergic to crustaceans, shellfish or both. Always exercise caution when trying new foods for the first time, especially if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction.

Our bedding, curtains, comforters, and towels are all potential sources for dust mites. Dust mites are a very common cause of allergies. If you wash these items in hot water that is a minimum of 130 degrees. You will kill the dust mites, and reduce the allergens in your living environment.

When you are traveling by car, try your best to keep the windows closed at all times during allergy season. On nice days, many people roll down their car windows to enjoy the weather, but you should avoid doing that and turn on the air conditioner if you need to feel a breeze.

You are certainly aware of the discomfort that allergies can provide. Now you are also aware of some of the best treatment options for those uncomfortable symptoms. Take some time to try a few of the methods you have read about in this article, and find some relief from your allergies.