The non-allergy segment of the population know about allergies, but have no idea how aggravating living with allergies can be. Some people are able to entirely avoid certain types of allergens, but airborne allergies are far more difficult to avoid. Continue reading for tips.
During warm weather months, you may wish to open your windows to keep the house at the right temperature. This could cause allergens to enter your home. Use a HEPA filter with your air conditioner to reduce indoor allergens. The air may not seem as fresh, but the lower level of allergens should help you breathe much easier.
Dust Mites
For safety’s sake, remember to use over-the-counter antihistamine when you are at home. Most of these contain ingredients that could impair your reflexes and even make you drowsy. Even if there aren’t serious warnings on the package, take your first does at home instead of when you have to drive.
It is impossible to avoid dust mites. As their name suggests, they love to make their home in mattresses and pillows, dining on shed skin flakes. 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. Wash your bedding in piping hot water every week; it will kill dust mites.
If you are a parent of a child with food allergies and are going on a trip, keep a bunch of safe foods with you. That is especially recommended if you are considering foreign travel. You may find it hard to find ingredient lists for some food items, thereby increasing the danger that an allergic reaction to dairy, nuts or other triggers may occur.
Some people assume that using a humidifier is good for allergy sufferers. Unfortunately, a humidifier will make carpets and fabrics damp and encourage mold growth. Therefore, using a humidifier may not be the best thing that an allergy sufferer could do. Instead, try a saline spray before bedtime to keep the nasal passages moist.
It’s quite tempting to pop your house’s windows open for a little cheap, all-natural ventilation when the weather outside is right. But, doing so could exacerbate your allergies. The best way to do this is to put a HEPA filter on your air conditioner and it will get rid of your indoor allergens. If you have allergies, this will help you to breathe easier.
Always avoid those things that will cause you problems if you are an allergy sufferer. If you are bothered most by dust, make certain to regularly clean your house and get rid of every bit of dust you can. If you are allergic to your pets, you might have to consider re-homing them if your allergies are really bad. If you can’t bear to part with them, then make sure that they are keep well groomed. In addition, vacuuming and dusting is very important to keep the pet dander down, as well.
Speak with your physician prior to taking any allergy medication. Your doctor will recognize any symptoms that may indicate problems with the medication and will also be able to advise you in regards to times and dosage.
Pollen and pet dander are two major contributors to the allergen pool because they are always lurking in the air. You shouldn’t allow your allergies to take over your life, which makes it more difficult to enjoy it. Keep these tips handy and soon you will be breathing better again.
Pay close attention to what times of day your allergy symptoms occur. For example, from 5 to 10 a.m. pollen levels are at their highest. If you have to go out, try to keep your time outdoors brief.