Things That You Should Know When Dealing With Allergies
If you have allergies, you’re well aware of how annoying they are. Allergies can cause discomfort, pain, and frustration. Fortunately, you can easily work around your allergies. Keep reading for the best advice on how to deal with allergies.
If you suffer from any allergies, be sure to keep air-filters and air ducts clean throughout the year. They will harbor allergy inducing particles like pollen, and may recirculate them in your breathing air. A few times a year, take them out and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you must have a pet in your life, get one that is short-haired. Every sort of animal may worsen allergy symptoms, but longer-haired ones tend to make things worse. You also want to avoid sleeping with your pets if you don’t want to have an allergic reaction.
For those who love the idea of toiling in their own vegetable garden, allergies caused by mold and pollen can seem especially oppressive. Fortunately, this does not mean would-be gardeners have to give up their hobby altogether. Instead, they must outwit outdoor allergens. The ideal time to garden is immediately after a storm when rainwater flushes away clouds of pollen, spores and other allergens. Alternately, one could use a garden hose to spray the area in which they plan to work.
Keep your doors and windows closed if you suffer from allergies. While a lovely breeze through your home can be refreshing, it can also cause misery if pollen aggravates your allergies. Use fans or a central air system to circulate the air instead, which should minimize your allergy symptoms.
Many people experience dull, throbbing headaches as a symptom of their allergies but overlook the actual cause. Painkillers may offer some relief from the pain but do not address the underlying problem. Even though antihistamines are not considered pain relievers, taking one can treat the allergic reaction itself and therefore, eliminates the headache.
Instead of treating your child’s allergy symptoms only as they occur, discuss preventive measures with a pediatrician. Studies have shown that allergy medications are most effective when taken routinely throughout the year, not just during allergy season. A physician can determine whether or not this approach is appropriate for your child.
Many people who suffer with allergies use a humidifier when going to sleep, as they are beneficial to keeping your airways moist. 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. Because of this, you should consider trying a saline spray prior to going to bed in order to keep your nasal passages more moist.
Because mold grows in warm, damp environments, it is very common in organic gardening materials. Compost heaps are a significant source of mold spores and other allergens, which is very frustrating for allergy sufferers who prefer eco-friendly gardening techniques. While composting, always wear a face mask. This allows you to do your dirty work without having an allergy attack.
The shabby-chic look is making a comeback in home fashions. Its signature overstuffed sofas, chairs, and loveseats can wreak havoc on your allergies. Studies have shown, that this type of furniture is often loaded with a higher-than-average amount of notorious allergens like goat hair, burlap, jute, and even cattle dander. Avoid these decorative pieces at all costs.
If your child is allergic to insect bites and stings, it makes it difficult to participate in outdoor sports and activities. Ask a pediatrician about immunotherapy, an in-office treatment, in which insect venom is introduced to your child’s system in increasing amounts. This desensitizes the immune system to stings and gives your child the freedom to join in the outdoor fun.
If you spend any time at all outside, you may pick up particles of allergens. If possible, take a shower before you go to bed; the sooner, the better. A shower will cleanse you of any mold spores, pollen or other allergy-causing irritants. They may have collected on your skin or in your hair.
Remove all pet hair from upholstery by vacuuming at least once a week. There are some vacuums available with a pet hair attachment that is better at picking up pet hair. Don’t allow your pets on your furniture to avoid any build-up of dander or hair in the future.
If you have a pollen allergy, wash your hair, laundry, and your clothing as regularly as you can. Hair, bedding, and clothes can hold pollen in them, so you will be sneezing and itchy all day, until you change your clothes or wash your hair. Set a schedule during allergy season to make sure you wash often.
If you are extremely sensitive to weed pollens, there is a good chance that you may also be sensitive to certain foods. Consuming melons, bananas and chamomile may cross-react with weed pollens, resulting in a tingling, burning or scratchy feeling in the mouth and throat. Eat these foods with caution.
The use of over-the-counter medication can be effective in treating and controlling allergy symptoms when used correctly. Be sure to take your antihistamine medication before leaving the house in order to allow it to start to work. If you will be driving or doing any activity that requires your attention, be sure to use a non-sedative antihistamine to avoid drowsiness.
If you suffer from allergies, it is crucial that you do not have any cockroaches in your home. If you do, be sure to hire an exterminator immediately. Believe it or not, the waste produced by cockroaches can cause allergy symptoms, including a stuffy or runny nose, as well as, sinus infections.
One way to keep allergies under control is to be proactive with pollen control. This will ensure that you are not exposed to pollen for a longer duration and concentration than you normally would. This can be avoided by making sure that your sheets are washed regularly and that you clean your clothes and take a shower before going to bed.
Clearly, there is no reason to continue suffering from allergies. There are a number of different steps you can take to decrease the severity of your allergy symptoms. If you implement the suggestions in the last few paragraphs, your days will soon be productive and allergy-free.