Although allergies are pretty common, it’s not as well-known that these symptoms can be pretty negative. 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.
Get rid of carpeting and avoid using rugs. Eliminating 100% of allergens from carpets and rugs is next to impossible, which means mites, pollen and other particulates will be waiting for you with every step you take. Get hardwood or laminate flooring.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are a very difficult allergen to control. As you might have expected from the name, these critters are a fixture on mattresses and pillows. They eat the flakes that you shed from your skin. It is disgusting. 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.
To prevent mold and mildew, you should keep your bathroom ventilated well. Hot, humid conditions are outstanding for cultivating these allergens. Hang wet washcloths and towels up to dry, and keep a fan running while you shower. If you do not have a fan, crack a window to allow fresh air to circulate.
In western states, olive trees are very popular when it comes to landscaping. However, these trees produce huge amounts of pollen. Learning to recognize this tree will help prepare you to protect yourself from its allergy-producing properties. Many people find that training a water hose on the tree a few minutes of each day is enough to significantly reduce pollen problems.
You have to keep trying allergy relief methods until you find the right one for you. Allergy medications come in a number of different forms that may be very helpful to you. Some people are better served by an allergy spray in conjunction with an allergy shot, while others need a different approach.
If you own pets and have allergies, you might be unsure if you are allergic to your pets. A trip to your general practitioner for an allergy panel will quickly put your questions to rest. You won’t have to give up your pet, but you will have to make certain changes to your lifestyle.
Try to keep your windows closed during heavy pollen hours. Fresh air is great for your home, but when the pollen count is high, don’t open windows. From around 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, pollen is at its peak. After this time has passed, open up your windows so that your home can air out.
After spending some time outside, it is very possible that you have been in contact with some unwelcome airborne allergens. Try to take a shower as soon as you can. If you cannot take one right away then make sure to take one before heading to bed. Water will eliminate pollen, mold, and other irritants from your body. Unless you take a shower, these substances may remain on your skin and in your hair.
If you like the scent of fresh laundry dried outdoors, think about using a detergent that is lightly scented or a fabric softner. Drying your clothes outside may give your clothes a scent that you love. However, it also increases the probability that they will collect spores and pollen. This is a better option if you’re not sensitive to fragrances or dyes.
Don’t forget to take allergies into consideration when planning a vacation out of town. However, don’t go off half cocked! This could cause problems for you or a family member suffering with allergies. Instead, you should carry out detailed research into the weather conditions, any local allergens and pollen counts before you select a destination.
Do not be startled if your allergy test reveals several positive indications to tests of various allergens. A lot of people have mild allergies to a lot of thing but do not feel them. In fact, it is possible that a person who is allergic to certain things may go decades without ever experiencing symptoms.
Allergies often result in post-nasal drip, leading to sore throats and other problems. Mix a bit of warm water with some regular salt, swish it around in your mouth while tilting your head. This will soothe the throat all of the time.
If you have allergies, it is important to vacuum frequently. Doing so can drastically cut down on allergens indoors. Make sure you check on your vacuum. This is often the case with those older-model vacuum cleaners that use those breathable cloth bags and release allergens back in the environment. Many new vacuums contain HEPA filters. These filters are great for removing up to 99% of the dust and debris in the air that cause allergies.
Consider getting a humidifier. This is a great investment that could stop allergens from going around your house. A humidifier introduces water droplets into the air. These droplets collect allergens and keep them from traveling any further. As a result, you will not breathe in allergens that are usually in the air.
Learn the differences between allergies and a cold. Many people mistake allergies for light colds; the severity of an allergy may increase and decrease randomly during its prolonged duration. If you think you have a cold all of the time, you probably just have allergies. If you don’t know, see your doctor.
Steer clear of cigarette smoke, and prevent others from smoking in your home or vehicle, because such smoke can exacerbate allergies. If you are a smoker, you should try quitting. You also want to avoid smoke of all types, so this includes stoves and fireplaces.
Why waste another minute sniffling, sneezing, swelling and swearing at your allergies? Take this opportunity to move forward and explore your different options. Saline sprays and medications like Claritin are just two ways to control your allergy symptoms. Keep this article’s advice in mind and continue to learn more about living with allergies!