Some people are excited about spring because it means that flowers start blooming, birds begin singing, and skies get sunny. However, other people dread spring because it means that they will begin sneezing and experiencing itchy eyes and runny noses. Allergies are extremely common around this time of year. If you want to learn how you can fight back against them, make sure you take the time necessary to read and learn the tips below.
For safety’s sake, always test a new over-the-counter antihistamine at home. Most of these products have ingredients that could make you sleepy or disturb your reflexes. Even if there are no warnings on the product, be wary about driving.
Many people try to reduce cooling costs by opening windows on pleasant days. However, those open windows can cause nasty allergy flare-ups. Use a HEPA filter in your air conditioner; this will help to get rid of indoor allergens. You may miss the feeling of fresh air, but your breathing will be much better.
There is no way that you can avoid dust mites. As their name suggests, they love to make their home in mattresses and pillows, dining on shed skin flakes. Disgusting! There are special “dust mite resistant” casings that you can purchase to cover pillows and mattresses to keep them out. Be sure to wash your bedding weekly in hot water to kill off dust mites.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are mostly likely in your home. These mites dwell in pillows and mattresses, and they feed off flakes of skin. Disgusting! Create a hostile environment for mites by purchasing zippered hypoallergenic cases and covers for your pillows and mattress. Wash all bedding at least once a week in hot water, which will kill any dust mites.
It may seem bizarre, but you can actually be allergic to your own body! It’s really true. As you make your way through the world, bits of it stick to you in the form of pollen, dust and other allergens. At night, as you retire into bed, your airways can be affected by these items. Try showering and wear fresh night-clothes prior to sleeping in order to sleep good at night.
Pollen counts are higher and lower at different times of the day. Try to make the times you go outside happen in the wee morning hours, or late at night. Research indicates that these are the times when pollen is at a low point, and you are likely to suffer the least ill effects.
You can find a large number of over-the-counter and prescription remedies for allergies, but you may need to try a few before you find the one that works best for you. Talk with your doctoring about possibly getting a sample pack or buy the smallest size available. If that product doesn’t minimize your symptoms, then you can try the next one, and you won’t have wasted much money.
Ensure the air quality in your home is good; keep the windows closed. Allergens from outside easily move into your home through open windows. If you want to keep allergens out of your home, be sure your air conditioner vents and filters are clean.
If you have constant symptoms from your allergies, treat them instead of preventing reactions. Ways to accomplish this are to carry drops if your eyes are always dry, or wear a nose strip to bed every night if evening congestion is a problem. People who usually get scratchy throats can gargle salt water, too.
Natural remedies are available for those who are plagued by allergies. These natural remedies can help fight common allergies. These remedies can soothe allergy symptoms and get rid of swelling, sneezing, congestion, and itching.
If you are an allergy sufferer try to limit the amount of what you take in that effects you the most. Get rid of dust if it is bugging you and making your allergies flare. If pets tend to set off your allergies, consider giving them a new home or keep them clean and as well groomed as possible. Vacuum your floors at least two times per week to keep pet dander to a minimum.
Select your antiperspirant carefully and be sure to read labels. Often times, they contain ingredients that can be very bad for your skin and these tend to break you out after shaving, when they make their way into your pores or even before you shave. These ingredients might not be good for you or your skin.
If possible, avoid using styling products on your hair during allergy season. It’s inevitable that you’ll come home after a day spent outdoors with pollen and other airborne allergens stuck to your hair. Keep in mind that hair products are known for attracting pollen and can make your head a hotbed for allergens.
If you are an allergy sufferer, try avoiding things that cause your symptoms to flare up. If dust causes you grief, dust your home frequently. If you are allergic to animals, bathe and groom your pet weekly. Furthermore, dusting and vacuuming is key in order to reduce the amount of pet dander in the air.
Your garbage should remain outside. Keeping your garbage indoors attracts pests, such as rodents and bugs. Remember, mice droppings are a common allergen. To keep mice out, keep your trash out. Be sure to set out different traps around the trash. If you do not experience success, think about using poison.
If you have spent at least an hour or so outdoors, you have likely picked up a few unwanted airborne allergens. It can help to take a shower when you get home, or before going to bed. A shower will cleanse you of any mold spores, pollen or other allergy-causing irritants. These allergens like to make a home on your skin or in your hair.
Sometimes the sort of vacation that appeals to you most is a quick trip to somewhere you’ve never been before. However, if you or a loved one has allergies, that can be a risk. Never settle on a vacation destination without learning as much as possible about factors like pollen levels, weather conditions and other qualities that may spell disaster for your allergies.
Make sure your bathroom is always clean. Bathrooms are a breeding ground for mold, and should be cleaned at least once a week. Use bleach mixture to wipe down all of the walls. This will keep the mold from growing there as well and also keep your allergies under control.
Allergies can cause something like post-nasal drip which can cause a sore throat. Try gargling with salt water instead of taking a bunch of medication for your throat. Simply combine a bit of warm water and table salt, tilt your head backwards and swish the solution around. This can help soothe your irritated throat.
Allergies can make your life miserable and make it difficult to enjoy life’s many pleasures. However, suffering without hope does not have to be your reality. There are many treatments you can do to drastically reduce or completely rid yourself of these symptoms. Put the tips from this piece to work immediately.