Allergies are a fairly common problem in today’s world, especially with the multitude of triggers. From animal dander to pollen in the air, people can have allergic symptoms to many different things. Learn how to control your allergies and live comfortably, by reading the helpful tips outlined in this article.
If you own pets, bathe them frequently when allergy season arrives. This is especially true for dog owners. Not only, are pets’ hair and dander irritants on their own, animal fur is a magnet for pollen floating in the air, allowing these particles to hitch a ride on your pet and invade your home.
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.
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.
Understand the fundamental differences between irritants and allergens. Exposure to an allergen provokes a physical reaction in your body in response to an unnatural protein. Irritants include things like paper dust, chemical fumes, perfume and cigarette smoke. These substances are irksome, but they do not carry an actual health risk, most of the time.
Avoid any product that contains colorant. Even the coloring in paper towels or toilet paper is a problem for some. Choose plain white products going forward, and make a point to observe whether there is a reduction in your symptoms.
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.
Be aware of how much stress you are under. You may not know that stress can affect how your body reacts to allergens. This is particularly the case for anyone suffering from asthma. 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.
Look for a solution. As a pet owner with animal allergies, you may find yourself miserable with symptoms but too devoted to banish your dog to the backyard. While it is impossible to entirely prevent a dog from shedding and producing dander, you do have options. Many have found that regularly taking pets to the groomer makes living with man’s best friend far more tolerable.
It may be tempting to move elsewhere to try to avoid the allergens that are causing your allergies. When this thought crosses your mind, remember that the most common allergy causing plants (grass and ragweed) are found everywhere. So a move to a different climate may not help your situation.
Clean your home from top to bottom at least once per year, preferably in the spring. A deep cleaning can eliminate dust, dander, mold and other allergens. If this type of cleaning is too daunting, hire a service to complete the job for you. You can maintain the results yourself or schedule regular visits from the cleaning service, after the initial deep-clean.
Dust your home at least once a week. This will help get rid of allergens in your home. Be sure to wash all of your rugs in hot water. If you can’t wash them, have them dry cleaned. This will eliminate the dust mites and mold that collects on them.
Know whether you have a cold or an allergy. Allergies seem more like mild colds that improve and then worsen with little explanation, and which can be quite lengthy in duration. If you are consistently getting “colds”, you are more than likely suffering from allergies. If you’re unsure, consult with a physician.
Choose window treatments wisely. Heavy, frilly or ornate drapes that cannot be laundered can harbor all kinds of allergens, and horizontal blinds provide the perfect place for dust to settle. Instead, choose lightweight curtains that you can wash frequently. If you use blinds, go for vertical types, which are less likely to collect dust.
As stated previously, allergies are a common occurrence for many people, however, this does not make them any less irritating. Instead of suffering from an itchy throat, sneezing and runny nose, control your symptoms. Remember the tips in this article and use these ways to effectively deal with your allergies.