No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ve probably dealt with allergies before. Sneezing, sniffling and coughing from allergies. This often happens at the same general time each year. This type of recurrent affliction is a likely indicator of allergies. Seasonal allergies are annoying, but they can be dealt with by applying the following tips.
For safety’s sake, remember to use over-the-counter antihistamine when you are at home. Many antihistamines have ingredients that cause drowsiness or slowed reflexes. Even if the product packaging does not contain any warnings, you should take the first several doses when you aren’t having to drive or do anything dangerous.
Whenever you use a new OTC antihistamine, test it out at home first. A lot of them can cause you to be very sleepy and slow your reflexes. Try your new medication out for the first time when you do not need to work or drive.
Avoid anything that has dye in it. Even something as basic as toilet paper could be a problem if you use a brand that has dyes in it. You just might experience a reduction in your allergy symptoms if you stick with plain, dye-free paper products.
Olive trees are being used for decoration in many states in the western U.S. Yet be wary of these trees as they can produce a lot of pollen. Never plant this particular tree if you have allergies, and it also helps if you can spot this tree to avoid it. Try spraying your tree down with a water hose daily for about 5 minutes to see if that helps your allergies.
If you can, do not put large rugs or carpeting in your home. It is practically impossible to keep carpets totally clean, as mites, dust, pollen and dander cling to the fibers and irritate those with allergies. Your best bet is to stay with the types of flooring that can be swept and mopped easily.
Do not give up on treating your allergies, even if you think you’ve tried everything. There are other forms of treatments besides oral medications that can give you relief from your symptoms. For instance, try over-the-counter nasal sprays and eye drops for allergy eyes or even prescription alternatives, such as leukotriene blockers and nasal steroids.
Close the windows in your home to keep out allergens. When windows are opened up, pollen is allowed to get inside the house and can exacerbate allergies. It is also important to clean any filters in vents and air-conditioners to reduce the amount of allergens in your home.
Be sure that you keep your bathroom well ventilated so that mold doesn’t grow there. Hot, humid conditions are outstanding for cultivating these allergens. Hang your washcloths and towels on your towel rack or over the shower curtain rod. Be sure to have a fan going after you shower. You can always open a window to encourage air circulation if your bathroom lacks a fan.
Use only products that don’t cause your skin to have an allergic reaction. Not only do many deodorants contain harsh chemicals that are bad for you, they can leave that skin more sensitive and vulnerable to allergens. This is bad for your health.
Make sure your bathroom is spic and span. Bathrooms can serve as mold incubators and must be cleaned no less than weekly. Wipe down your walls using a water and bleach mixture to fight mold. Doing this can help your problems from becoming worse. Of course, it’s also nice to enjoy a tidy house, too!
While skin tests are useful for identifying potentially problematic allergens, it is almost impossible to use test results to predict the probable severity of an allergic reaction to those substances. For example, a test may indicate that you are allergic to a certain type of spore. Even if a test indicates an allergy, you may be asymptomatic when you encounter the allergen in real life if your sensitivity is low.
Remove carpets and rugs from your home if you can. Dust and pollen thrive in their fibers. If you enjoy having rugs in your home to add color and softness, be sure that they are washable so you can keep allergens at bay.
Make sure you take out your trash. When it is indoors, it can attract rodents and bugs. Mice droppings may worsen allergy symptoms. If rodents are still a problem, use a trap. Poison may become a necessity for stubborn vermin.
If you are battling bronchial allergy symptoms, proper hydration is especially important. The mucosal membranes will often show signs of dryness or inflammation when deprived of fluids. In addition, if you aren’t properly hydrated, your bronchial tubes are affected because your mucosal glands produce hard-to-break-up secretions.
Contain Latex
Learn what items contain latex so that you can eliminate them from your home if you have a latex allergy. Things like condoms, clothing, bandages, and gloves may contain latex. Fortunately, there are a number of alternative products; a pharmacist or medical supply specialist may be able to direct you to them. Additionally, make sure you check products for latex warnings, as this will prevent you from being surprised.
Make sure you keep a close eye on the clock. For example, from 5 to 10 a.m. pollen levels are at their highest. If you absolutely have to go out, keep the time and limit your activity.
To avoid allergens in your bedding, a good tip is to use pillows made of synthetic materials rather than feather or cotton pillows. Synthetic materials are far less likely to attract dust mites. Pillows should be washed to remove dust mites and allergens.
If allergies make your eyes itchy or dry, don’t rub them. The preferred option is using eye drops containing an antihistamine. You risk irritating hair follicles on your eyelids if you rub them too much. This can cause allergic styes to form, and they can be tough to get rid of.
Try not to open windows during hours in which pollen is high. While it is good to get fresh air inside your home, you want to avoid opening windows when the pollen is the highest outside. This is usually between 10am and 3pm. If you really need to open up a window in the home, do it during the evening hours when the pollen has settled.
Many city dwellers have found that they are allergic to smog and other airborne pollutants. If you live in the city and always find yourself congested then consider taking a trip outside of the city for a week. See how you feel, and when you return you may realize all of the smog is giving you allergies.
Now that you know what you can do, you need to do something. Stop suffering in silence from symptoms that keep you down. You can reduce your body’s reactions, breathe easier and enjoy an improved quality of life. Put the tips from the article above to good use.
Your child may need medication administered at school if they suffer from allergies. Consult the pediatrician for a note that explains any allergies. It is important to make sure the school has some of the child’s medication available for emergencies. Be sure to provide the school with a list of your child’s allergens, and keep an additional copy in his or her backpack.