While many people eagerly anticipate spring, others with severe allergies have learned to dread the season. If you are like many others who suffer from allergies, you may be able to find relief with some of the following tips.
Whenever you use a new OTC antihistamine, test it out at home first. Many antihistamines have ingredients that cause drowsiness or slowed reflexes. Even if there aren’t serious warnings on the package, take your first does at home instead of when you have to drive.
Dust Mites
When the weather is nice, you may be tempted to open the windows in your home to save money on cooling costs. However, this can cause your allergies to flare up. Your best bet is to use a HEPA filter in your air conditioner to diminish indoor allergens. This will help you breathe better, even though the air might not seem as fresh.
Allergen that can’t be avoided is dust mites. As you might expect from their name, you can find them burrowed deep in your pillows or mattress as they feast on skin cells that have been shed. Gross! There are special “dust mite resistant” casings that you can purchase to cover pillows and mattresses to keep them out. Then, wash bedding in hot water weekly, as hot water kills dust mites.
When exercising outdoors during peak pollen levels, be sure to do so extremely early or extremely late in the day. According to studies, if you workout at such times you will run into the lowest possible levels of pollen.
There are a lot of antihistamines and allergy products on the market you can get without a prescription. If you explain your situation to your doctor, he or she may allow you to try out different drugs and treatments to see what works for you. By trying out drugs in sample form, you can quickly break off from one and get on another if you need further treatment.
Dust mites are everywhere. These microscopic creatures dwell within pillows and mattresses and make their meals on skin flakes that shed and accumulate. They can’t be seen easily, but they are there and contribute to allergies for some people. Use special covers and cases for your mattresses and pillows to fend of these nasty creatures. Also, launder your bedding weekly with hot water in order to kill all dust mites.
You should consider replacing your carpeting if you have allergies. Carpet is well known for being a host for pollen, dust, and dust mites. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider switching to wood, laminate or tile floors, if finances allow. That can greatly reduce the amount of allergens you’re breathing in every day. If you are unable to do this, make certain to run your vacuum daily.
Avoid anything with a colorant as you might be allergic to it. Sometimes, even toilet tissue contains dye from patterns and color. Try using white paper products inside your house to see if it affects your allergies positively.
In some areas, pretty olive trees are turning into the landscaping decoration of choice. However, these tress produce a lot of pollen. If you know what they look like you can stay away from them! Using a garden hose to saturate these trees for a minute or so daily can decrease the amount of pollen in the air.
Make sure your lavatory is well-ventilated if you want to keep mildew and mold at bay. Allergens like these can be found in warm, damp environments. Hang your washcloths and towels on your towel rack or over the shower curtain rod. Be sure to have a fan going after you shower. If your bathroom does not include a fan, open a window to let air circulate through the room.
Allergies can make your life miserable and make it difficult to enjoy life’s many pleasures. This does not mean you have to take a back seat to your symptoms and let them control you. There are many options for minimizing or even getting rid of these symptoms. Use what you have learned here, starting today.