Many people suffer from allergies to some degree, but not many realize how badly some peoples’ lives are impacted. You can minimize your symptoms and take charge of your allergies; there’s no reason to surrender to your allergy triggers. Keep reading for tips on effectively dealing with allergies.
To be safe, test new antihistamines while at home. It is common for such drugs to be made with substances that tend to cause drowsiness. Anytime you are trying a new allergy medication, you should give yourself plenty of time to determine what the results will be. Even allergy medications that do not carry dire warnings may cause problems when driving or performing other potentially dangerous feats.
Many people try to reduce cooling costs by opening windows on pleasant days. However, this could lead to allergy flare-ups. You should try to find a HEPA filter to put on your AC. This type of filter is great for capturing multitudes of those allergen particles. While it’s not quite the same as a springtime breeze, it definitely helps you to breathe in clean air.
Pollen counts are higher and lower at different times of the day. Try to make the times you go outside happen in the wee morning hours, or late at night. Studies show pollen levels are low during these times, so you can exercise comfortably.
If one allergy product does produce the desired effect, it’s not yet time to throw in the towel. There are plenty of allergy treatments besides oral medications. For instance, you could try eye drops made for allergies, saline sprays for the nose, or nasal steroids prescribed by your doctor.
Keep your windows closed. Allergens from outside easily move into your home through open windows. It is also important to clean your filters in your air conditioners and vents in order to keep allergens at bay.
Many people who suffer from allergies have been advised to use humidifiers in their bedroom. This may not be a good idea, as the mist from the humidifier settles on carpet, encouraging the growth of mold and will become musty. Because of this, you should consider trying a saline spray prior to going to bed in order to keep your nasal passages more moist.
Keep an eye on your levels of stress. Many allergy sufferers are not aware that their stress levels can affect their susceptibility to allergy attacks. This holds true for those with asthma too. The probability of an attack increases when the stress level rises. So in order to avoid having serious allergy attacks, try and keep your stress levels to a minimum.
If self-care has failed to address your allergy problem, it is time to consult a medical professional. There are a wide range of allergy medications out there, and an allergy specialist can match your symptoms with the proper medication. Your doctor can also point out other remedies that you may not have thought of.
By avoiding allergens, you can reduce the amount of suffering you experience from your allergy symptoms. Get rid of dust if it is bugging you and making your allergies flare. You may not be willing to give up your pets if they trigger your allergies, but you can at least make sure they stay as well-groomed and clean as possible. You can also reduce the amount of pet dander in your home by regularly dusting and vacuuming.
When it is the height of allergy season, it’s a good idea to wear your hair naturally and not use excessive hair products. When you are outside all the time there are a lot of particles that you can pick up and bring home. These styling gels and other products can attract and trap pollen, and turn your locks into one big allergy trigger.
Avoid using anything with latex if you have a latex allergy. Among the more common latex products are latex gloves, condoms, bandages and some types of clothing. You can usually find alternative materials for these items. Additionally, make sure that you read labels in case a product contains latex.
Try pillows composed of man-made materials, rather than natural items like feathers or down-feathers. Most dust mites prefer the natural material, so your synthetic pillow should be relatively safe. While washing is still required if you want to avoid allergen build up, they are preferable to sleep with.
If you would miss the scent of the sun on your laundry, seek a laundry detergent and fabric softener that strive to replicate the scent. Drying your clothes outside may give your clothes a scent that you love. But it also significantly increases the possible number of allergens your laundry will collect. This is not a good idea for people that have sensitivities to fragrances or dyes.
Folks who have allergies must make a regular habit out of vacuuming. That way, allergens will be greatly reduced. Be sure to give your vacuum a thorough inspection. Older styles often blow many allergens right back out and into the air. The HEPA filters in newer vacuums trap nearly 99 percent of allergens and small particles, keeping the air clean.
Make sure you can tell the difference between allergies and the common cold. Allergies oftentimes are “light” colds that could get worse or better without any reason, and it could last for a long time. So, if you feel cold-like symptoms that never truly manifest, then this could be an allergy. If you are unable to rule anything out, a doctor or allergist may be able to shed some light on the situation.
Rather than suffering from allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, you should learn about all the options you have. A couple of good options may include Claritin and nasal irrigation treatments. Remember what you’ve learned here to treat your symptoms, and get the relief you’ve been seeking.