Manage Your Allergies Effectively With These Simple Tips
It’s that time of the year that most people dread. That’s right, it’s allergy season again. If you are one of the unlucky ones that live with allergies, then you know what is coming your way. Don’t worry, because this article contains advice that can help you face allergy season with a brave face.
If you suffer from annoying allergies, don’t use a clothes line to dry your laundry. As nice as it is to have the natural scent of clothes dried outside by the wind and sun, you will also have an abundance of sneezes inducing pollens. So use an electric dryer whenever you can!
Wherever possible, try not to use carpets or large area rugs in your house. 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. Your best bet is to stay with the types of flooring that can be swept and mopped easily.
People can be affected by allergies at any age. Many Baby Boomers grew up without access to allergy tests, and other medical resources. They have lived with allergic symptoms for decades. Allergic reactions often manifest differently in seniors than in young people. For example, older adults may experience itching, and mild swelling, but not localized redness. As a result, many assume that the cause of discomfort is something other than allergies. An allergy test can help seniors to identify allergens, and live their golden years to the fullest.
If your allergies are accompanied by a harsh, hacking cough, irritation in the throat is probably to blame. This is especially common in those who fight post-nasal drip or mouth breathing. In many cases, the problem becomes more pronounced during the night. When this happens, try using pillows to prop you up in a half-reclining position while you sleep. If you can sleep while sitting upright, that’s even better.
After years of dealing with the itchiness of allergic skin and eczema, constant scratching becomes a tough habit to break–even after allergy therapy. This can cause further damage to the skin, so you should cover the area with a thick protectant like Vaseline or vitamin E oil under an elastic bandage. This allows your skin to heal and can help you to break the cycle.
Be sure to wash your hair immediately when you get inside, if you suffer from allergies and there was pollen outside. You do not want to allow the pollen to stay in your hair for too long, as this can trigger your allergy symptoms. It is best to wash your hair twice.
Wash your pillowcases on a regular basis, if you suffer from allergies. Pillowcases tend to collect dust, pollen, and other allergens that could really affect you. Washing them and your other linens can prevent this from happening. If you can, try to purchase non-allergenic pillows cases, sheets and other bedding.
If your child has food allergies and you are traveling, take foods they can eat with you. 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.
If you have a dangerous allergy to bees, certain foods or plants, try to keep a supply of antihistamine in your purse, or car. In the event you are far from medical help and are exposed to an allergen that could cause a serious reaction, you will be well-armed. You’ll be ready to stop any problem that could be dangerous, or cause serious breathing problems.
To reduce the volume allergens in your home, consider changing up your current window coverings. Horizontal blinds are major allergen offenders and are known to collect allergens on the surface of the blinds. Instead, opt for window dressings made from synthetic materials like acrylic or nylon. Washable roller shades are another good option.
While an allergy test can be useful in helping you to identifying the culprit of your allergy symptoms, there are certain times in which taking this test is ill-advised. For example, you should never agree to an allergy test when you are experiencing severe asthma symptoms. It is also best to avoid testing while in recovery from surgery, or illness. During these periods, your body may not respond to the tests, as it would in good health.
Allergies can wreak havoc on your eyes, which may cause you to rub or tug at the skin around your eyes. Any allergens, bacteria or problematic substances will be transferred from your fingers to your eyes, which may increase your discomfort. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling pets, plants or other common sources of allergens.
Shower and change your clothes before going to bed every night. Be sure to thoroughly shampoo your hair. This will eliminate the buildup of allergens you acquire through the day. This also helps from spreading allergens, like dust and pollen, to your bed and making allergy symptoms worse overnight.
When picking out furniture for your home, keep your allergies in mind. Smooth, wipeable surfaces like leather and vinyl are good choices. Wooden furniture is a valid choice, too, especially if it comes with washable cushions or covers. Avoid upholstered furniture that will be hard to keep clean; mites, dust, dander and other irritants can be impossible to remove.
Most people associate allergies with pollen, or pets. If you have tried everything to combat your allergy issues and nothing is working, then look to your diet. It’s possible something you are eating is causing you to have allergic reactions. When you thought it was just your cat, FiFi.
Keep pets out of the bedroom! If you are even slightly allergic to your pet, don’t let it sleep in your bedroom. Animal dander can be released while they are asleep due to involuntary scratching, causing your allergies to get much worse. If you have central heating or forced air in your home, close the air duct in your bedroom.
Allergy season may be upon us, but we don’t have to live in fear of it ever again. This article contains enough advice that should help even the worst allergy sufferer make it through allergy season for years to come. Just remember it, and use it before things get out of control.