Allergies are a common occurrence these days. Our environment contains allergens both indoors and outdoors, and you can be exposed to one or the other or both at the same time. Read the following information to learn the best ways to deal with that awful, itchy feeling in your eyes and nose.
Before you commit to allergy injections, understand that having these shots will not eliminate the allergy itself. Actually, these injections increase your body’s threshold. As a result, you can tolerate greater exposure to the allergen before you start to experience discomfort or an allergic reaction. A realistic idea of the results can help you to make the decision whether or not the procedure is worth it.
Watch your local weather forecast to see if pollen is high for that day. If it is, it’s best that you minimize your time spent outdoors. If you do want to go outdoors, make sure it’s not between the hours of 5 and 10 A.M. This is the time when pollen is high.
If you are exercising outside during allergy season, and you are having trouble breathing, you should consider lightening your outdoor workout. Try running less, or not as hard so it is easier for you to breathe. Exercise is very important so keep it up!
Pinpoint your allergy triggers in order to prevent your symptoms. Your doctor or allergist can perform blood or skin tests to determine which substances cause an allergic reaction. This step helps you minimize your exposure to the substances that cause the most discomfort for you. You may also be able to narrow down your treatments to target specific allergens.
Because mold grows in warm, damp environments, it is very common in organic gardening materials. Compost heaps are a significant source of mold spores and other allergens, which is very frustrating for allergy sufferers who prefer eco-friendly gardening techniques. While composting, always wear a face mask. This allows you to do your dirty work without having an allergy attack.
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!
Bathrooms are a common source of mold, which can trigger itching and irritation in allergy sufferers. Running an overhead exhaust fan while taking a hot bath or shower reduces moisture in the air and helps to prevent the growth of mold. Wash bath mats and hand towels frequently with hot water.
Take caution when reading the newspaper. This may sound crazy, but if you often have allergies that irritate your skin, your newspaper might be hurting you. Try sticking your newspaper in the oven for a few minutes to bake the ink on the paper more, and you will experience less skin allergies on your fingers and hands.
If you were outside all day then you probably have some particles on your skin and clothes. 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. A shower will cleanse you of any mold spores, pollen or other allergy-causing irritants. These allergens like to make a home on your skin or in your hair.
If you have a school-aged child who suffers from allergies, he or she may have medication in case of a severe reaction. Doctor’s orders are often required by the school when this is the case. Make sure someone at school has a dose or two of the necessary medication, just in case. Be sure to provide the school with a list of your child’s allergens, and keep an additional copy in his or her backpack.
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.
Few things are more irritating to the eyes and nose than exposure to cigarette smoke (first- or second-hand). However, many people mistake this irritation caused by smoke for an allergen and take allergy medications to counter the effects. Because smoke is not a true allergen, these treatments will not have any effect on the symptoms.
It is nearly impossible to find a completely allergen free environment, but there are some things you can do to minimize the effects. Whether you are allergic to indoor dust and mold or outdoor pollen, you can use some of the ideas in this article to help live with the irritating effects.
