You must have experienced something like this. Coughing, sneezing and sniffling are integral parts of your life. Usually around this time in the year. If you have experienced this, then you probably suffer from an allergy. While these allergic symptoms are uncomfortable and irritating, there are many options for relief.
Test out allergy medicine at home before going anywhere. It is common for such drugs to be made with substances that tend to cause drowsiness. Even when there is no severe warning listed on the label, take the initial dose whey you are in the comfort of your own home and do not need to operate a vehicle or anything else potentially hazardous if you become drowsy.
Although you may be enticed to open your windows to save cooling costs during nice weather, keep them closed. Unfortunately, doing so may actually invite an allergy attack. Make sure you use HEPA filters in your air conditioner because they help get rid of indoor allergens. You can breathe easier when you apply this simple change.
For safety’s sake, remember to use over-the-counter antihistamine when you are at home. 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
Dust mites are a very difficult allergen to control. These mites dwell in pillows and mattresses, and they feed off flakes of skin. Eww! Use dust mite covers that help keep out dust mites from both your mattress and your pillows. Wash your bedding once a week in hot water to eradicate dust mites.
Avoid mildew and mold in your bathroom by making sure that the room is properly ventilated. Such allergens proliferate in warm, wet areas. Therefore, you should ensure that you hang washcloths and wet towels on a bar, and after you shower, turn on the fan. If there isn’t a fan, try cracking a window to get some fresh air circulation.
If you have a choice, avoid placing carpeting or large rugs in any rooms in your home. Carpet never becomes completely clean, and dust, mites, dander and pollen cling to the fibers. Instead, use flooring such as tile or hardwood that can be easily mopped.
Allergists perform skin tests to determine which allergens are likely to produce symptoms; however, test results may not necessarily tell how severe the allergy is. For instance, you a test may reveal that you’re allergic to a specific spore. You might be one of those people that experiences allergy symptoms so mildly that you do not feel any discomfort.
Make sure you keep a close eye on the clock. Pollen is at its peak during the hours between 5am and 10am, so it is wise to avoid the outdoors during these hours. It’s important that you limit your exposure to the elements during times when pollen is running rampant.
Allergy Treatments
Make sure you wash yourself before you head to bed. Pollen accumulates on your body and in your hair during the day, and could cause an allergic reaction as you try to sleep. As long as you have a quick wash, you will have few problems with allergies.
Some allergy treatments you may have tried out didn’t work as advertised. Well, the important thing is that you don’t stop trying different tactics. There are other allergy medications available, other than oral medications. Allergy treatments include everything from eye drops and nasal sprays to prescription leukotriene blockers and steroids.
Now that you know what you can do, do it. Now it is not necessary to suffer with sniffling and sneezing every year. You can reduce your body’s reactions, breathe easier and enjoy an improved quality of life. Use these tips to fight your allergies.