Many people know what allergies are and know what symptoms allergies tend to cause. But not everyone knows how badly some people suffer from certain types of allergies. Never allow allergies to overtake your life. Use the ideas in this piece to get a handle on allergies and the role they play in your life.
If you can, do not have carpet or rugs in your house. It is next to impossible to get carpet completely clean, since the fibers act as a trap for many allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Choose a flooring that is easy to sweep and mop.
Dust Mites
If you can, do not put large rugs or carpeting in your home. Carpet is very hard to clean and the fibers inside the carpet hold onto mites, dusts, pollen, dander and other particles that could irritate allergy sufferers. Get hardwood or laminate flooring.
Except in extreme conditions, dust mites are almost impossible to avoid. These mites dwell in pillows and mattresses, and they feed off flakes of skin. That’s gross! A good solution to address dust mites is to use allergy bedding covers to completely enclose your mattress and pillows. You can also replace cotton and other similar fabrics with synthetic fibers. Dust mites aren’t too big on synthetics.
If you live in the western part of the United States, you may have noticed that many landscapers are using olive trees as landscaping decoration. However, they are not the best choice if you have allergies due to their high pollen count. Learning to recognize this tree will help prepare you to protect yourself from its allergy-producing properties. Using a garden hose to saturate these trees for a minute or so daily can decrease the amount of pollen in the air.
Don’t lose hope if every allergy treatment you have tried has not worked. There are other allergy medications available, other than oral medications. For instance, over-the-counter nasal sprays, eye drops and drug preparations of other sorts have been found to be useful for many.
Coming into contact with dust mites is unavoidable. As you can probably guess, these little guys are living throughout your bedding and pillows, making a meal of your dead skin flakes. Talk about a nightmare! It is possible to fight these home invaders, however. There are special mattress and pillowcases with zippers that are specifically designed to keep dust mites out. Wash your bedding in piping hot water every week; it will kill dust mites.
Many people who suffer from allergies have been advised to use humidifiers in their bedroom. Actually, using a humidifier causes moisture to settle into the carpet. As a result, the carpet may become moldy or musty. To moisten airways, try using a saline nasal spray.
When you have exhausted all over-the-counter options, it may be time to make an appointment with your physician or an allergist. A professional can determine which prescription-only medication is best-suited to your specific problems, which will set you on the path to success. A healthcare professional will also be able to offer additional insight into lifestyle changes or practices that can improve your chances for success.
If you are allergic to latex, you must avoid all products containing it. Some examples of household items that usually contain latex are: bandages, gloves, condoms and clothes. However, there are many items you can use as replacements, so do your research. Additionally, make sure that you read labels in case a product contains latex.
If you continue to have allergy symptoms, keep track of the time. Between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., pollen levels are at their highest; it is best to stay indoors during this period. If it is necessary to leave the house, try to avoid strenuous activity and make it a short trip.
Avoiding certain food works for people who have food allergies, but those who are allergic to pollen or pet dander have a tougher time of it. Don’t fear the changing seasons anymore. Once you understand how to take control your symptoms better, you can enjoy life any time outside. Use the tips from this article to stop sneezing for good.