Here in the U.S., most people spend 90% of the time outside, but more than half of Americans suffer from allergies. Those are high numbers, and if you experience allergies, you already know how irritating the symptoms can be. Luckily, this article contains some tips that will help allergy sufferers to live life to the fullest, in spite of their allergies.
If you can, do not put large rugs or carpeting in your home. Carpeting cannot be kept totally clean, and the carpet fibers will hold onto dust, dander, pollen, dust mites and other items known to irritate allergy sufferers. Try to install floors that can be mopped and swept with ease.
Throughout one’s lifetime, an individual may experience fluctuating levels of vulnerability to different allergens. One example of this principle is that babies are more likely to have food allergies because they have only recently been exposed to food proteins. As a child grows up, he continues to be exposed to new foods, and may also pick up pollen allergies once he starts spending more time playing outdoors. If you notice your child is showing allergic symptoms to spores or pollen, you shouldn’t rule out an allergic reaction just because they haven’t previously shown any indications of allergies.
Just to be safe, you want to test any new over the counter antihistamines at home. Many of these products are notorious for causing a sudden onset of sleepiness or impairment. It’s always a good idea to try the medication out in a safe environment once or twice. Although the label may not include any dramatic warnings, you don’t want to find out that you react poorly to the medicine while you’re driving.
To cut down significantly on allergens in the home, you could always try to remove your carpeting. Carpet can be the best place for dead dust mites, pollen and dust to hide. If your home contains carpet, think about changing them out for wood, tile or laminate flooring, if you can afford it. This will have a big difference when it comes to the allergy-causing substances you could potentially breathe. If you cannot do this, then vacuum on a daily basis.
Make sure you’re properly hydrated to treat a bronchial allergy. If you don’t have a sufficient amount of fluids in your body, your mucus membranes can get dry. Dehydration can also cause your glands to try to compensate by producing their own moisture which can, in turn, be hard to break up.
Avoid colorant in household items. You could be allergic. Even your toilet tissue could have dye in it. Try using white paper products for your house to see if this helps your allergies.
Dust mites can be hard to avoid. As you might expect from their name, you can find them burrowed deep in your pillows or mattress as they feast on skin cells that have been shed. This is just gross! Use dust mite covers that help keep out dust mites from both your mattress and your pillows. You can also replace cotton and other similar fabrics with synthetic fibers. Dust mites aren’t too big on synthetics.
Natural remedies are available for those who are plagued by allergies. Remedies such as honey can help manage the symptoms caused by many of the most common irritants. They will help you naturally decrease your sneezing, itching, runny nose, etc.
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. Use simple nose sprays containing salt water to keep the inside of your noise moist before you go to bed.
If you’ve exhausted your options and your allergy symptoms aren’t letting up, it’s best to seek out advice from a physician. This person can provide you with medicines that help control your allergies. You might also receive helpful advice on dealing with your allergies from a medical professional.
Make sure you ventilate your bathroom thoroughly so mold doesn’t build. Allergens like these tend to do very well in warm and damp surroundings. After your bath or shower, use an overhead exhaust fan to remove moisture from the air. Hang damp bath towels and cloths on a rack or bar. If your bathroom does not contain a fan, open a window to let cold air in.
During allergy season, style your hair without using sprays, gels or creams. It’s inevitable that you’ll come home after a day spent outdoors with pollen and other airborne allergens stuck to your hair. Styling products act as pollen magnets.
If you have latex allergies, you need to avoid any product that contains it. Make sure you avoid latex bandages, clothing, gloves, and condoms. Substitute products are available, but you may want to ask your pharmacist where they can be found. Check out the labels to see if there are any warnings about latex.
You may be quick to travel to a location without thinking about what impact the allergens there may have on you. Unfortunately, it’s best to be picky when planning your trip–especially if you are allergy-prone. Make a list of places you would like to visit, and then do a little research on topics such as potential allergy triggers, pollen counts, and weather conditions.
When it comes to allergies, are you aware that even your own body can be making problems worse? It’s definitely true! Everyday, as you move around your business, allergy triggers, such as dust and pollen, can get trapped within your hair and clothes. By the days end, these things can really trigger your allergies. Have a shower and grab some fresh clothes before you head off to bed each night.
If you have allergies, it is important to vacuum frequently. Vacuuming removes many allergens from your home environment. Make sure to have a good look at your vacuum. Older vacuums are not made to contain microscopic allergens, and could re-spread them into the air. Newer vacuum cleaner models use HEPA filters to trap more than 99% of the allergens and irritating particles that can trigger allergies.
Use the tips you just read to help you avoid too much allergy suffering when spending time outside. Whether you deal with allergy triggers indoors or out, from pets or pollen, we hope this article has given you some useful ideas that can help ease your allergic symptoms and improve your quality of life.