Allergies appear in many different forms. Some allergies can be dangerous and deadly, while other allergies are as trivial as a runny nose. Some people have food allergies, and others have pet allergies or even allergies to certain medications. Knowing how allergies operate can give you the information you need to successfully manage them.

If you battle pollen and spores while indoors, avoid leaving your windows open for longer than an hour or two. At the very least, close them between the hours of 5 and 10 in the morning; this is the time of day in which plants and flowers release their highest concentrations of pollen.

Dry your clothes indoors. While hanging clothes outdoors to dry is good for the environment, it is not so good, if you suffer from allergies. Laundry that is hanging outside acts as an efficient pollen catcher, ensuring that the next time you wear those clean clothes, you will be reaching for the antihistamines.

If you can choose, do not put any carpeting or big rugs in your home. Carpet and rugs collect dust mites, pollen and pet dander which can irritate allergies. Instead, use flooring such as tile or hardwood that can be easily mopped.

While cleaning your home, avoid using feather dusters, which are notorious for stirring up all kinds of dust and allergens. Instead, gently wipe household surfaces with disposable dirt-grabbing cleaner or microfiber cloths. This ensures that you do not release clouds of dust, pet dander and other allergens into the air.

Limit the amount of throw rugs you have around your home. They can gather dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. If you do have throw rugs around the home, make sure they are washable. You can do this every week when you are cleaning your home.

If you participate in outdoor activities like camping, jogging or team sports, you may need to wash your workout clothes or uniform more frequently than usual– after every time you wear it, if possible. Some people who are especially sensitive may even become irritated by grass stains, sweat or dirt on their clothing.

With so many allergens in the air, it can be hard to pinpoint the most likely culprit for your allergic symptoms. Most people just assume that pollen is to blame. Actually, it could be anything from lawn fertilizer, to local wildlife, and native plants. In these cases, it is easy to become discouraged when one experiences an allergic reaction even during days with a low pollen count. An allergy test can help you to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

When you are taking medications for allergies, it is of critical importance that you consult with your doctor and pharmacist about any foods or other drugs that may not interact properly with your medication. The side effects and reactions between drugs can be extreme, so you need to know before you take them if there are any risks associated with consuming other drugs or foods.

Instead of treating your child’s allergy symptoms only as they occur, discuss preventive measures with a pediatrician. Studies have shown that allergy medications are most effective when taken routinely throughout the year, not just during allergy season. A physician can determine whether or not this approach is appropriate for your child.

Allergy symptoms may be making your little one miserable and irritable, but that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily ready to take liquid medications without a fight. If your child complains about the taste, ask a pediatrician or pharmacist if you can mix the medication with fruit juice to mask the taste.

Always know the amount of stress you are under. A lot of people are unaware that stress is a major cause of allergic reactions. This is very true, especially for people who are asthmatic. Having an attack is heightened when you are more stressed. For allergies in general, you should do whatever you can to ensure that your stress is always at a manageable level.

Keep your car windows closed to keep allergens out. You should also clean your car regularly to reduce the instance of allergy attacks. Using air conditioning and keeping all of your vents in closed positions will prevent pollen and allergens from coming in. Also, vacuum regularly to keep the upholstery free from anything that might accumulate there. This could cause a reduction in allergies.

Limit the amount of carpet and rugs in your home. No matter how much you try to clean them, they can harbor allergens. If your home has rugs, make sure they can be washed, and that you wash them regularly.

Remember, if you learn a lot about allergies, as with any topic, you’re in a much better position to do something about it in terms of fighting back. Many drug treatments exist for allergy symptoms, and some can make life for sufferers much more tolerable. Make sure to use this article’s advice.