If you constantly suffer from coughing, itchy eyes, sneezing or runny nose, especially at certain times during the year, you might have allergies. Allergic symptoms, which are often mistaken for cold symptoms, can be treated and controlled. Keep reading for some effective tips for coping well with your allergy symptoms.
You should get a pet with very little fur if you are an allergy sufferer. All animals may bother one’s allergies, but animals with long hair make it even worse. You also want to avoid sleeping with your pets if you don’t want to have an allergic reaction.
It’s important to get fresh air in your home through open windows. But understand that you are inviting dust and pollen into your home that can cause allergies, too. A HEPA filter on your air conditioner can help prevent allergens from entering your home. If you have allergies, this will help you to breathe easier.
Consider removing out your carpet. Carpet is known for harboring pollen, dust and dust mites. If your home has wall-to-wall carpet and you have the money to do some remodeling, rip it out and replace it with hardwood or tile floors. That way, you can greatly limit the number of allergens in the air. If you are unable to make this change, you should at least a vacuum every day.
Age can actually play an important role in your allergy profile. A child’s first exposure to potential allergens comes in the form of different foods. For this reason, food allergies tend to be the most common type of allergy in babies. When babies get older, they are around other protein allergens, which could later turn into a pollen allergy. Just because your child has not shown an allergic reaction to airborne particles before doesn’t mean she or he hasn’t developed a legitimate allergy.
Watch the time, if you experience seasonal allergies. Between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., pollen levels are at their highest; it is best to stay indoors during this period. If it is necessary to leave the house, try to avoid strenuous activity and make it a short trip.
While tests can be performed that identify what you are allergic to, no one can predict how severe your reactions will be. For instance, tests may show that you have difficulties with a kind of spore. It’s possible to have mild or even no symptoms when near allergens.
Many people who suffer with allergies use a humidifier when going to sleep, as they are beneficial to keeping your airways moist. This may be a bad idea, since the moisture from the humidifier can settle in the carpet, encouraging mustiness and possibly mold. If you have it available, use a saline spray so that your nose can be kept moist.
Do you know that your body can actually be the cause of your allergic reaction? Here is how this can be true. Throughout the day, pollen and dust particles adhere to your clothes, hair and skin. When your day is done and you go to bed, these substances could wreak havoc on your airways. A solution is to shower prior to bed and put on clean clothes before retiring for the night!
Schedule regular visits from an exterminator if you notice any unwanted visitors, such as insects or mice. Allergy symptoms can increase if you are exposed to rodent droppings. A professional exterminator is usually your best bet for getting rid of vermin.
Exercise either in the early morning or late evening to avoid high pollen counts. Studies show pollen levels are low during these times, so you can exercise comfortably.
If you are currently taking allergy medication, regardless of what kind it is, you should make sure you go visit a medical professional. A doctor can direct you on the proper way to take your medication, as well as ensure that it is the right medication for you to take.
There are a lot of allergy and antihistamine products on the market which do not require a prescription; however, you will find that everyone reacts differently to each product. Ask your doctor for a sample pack or purchase the smallest package size available. If this product doesn’t help your allergies, then you can easily get another without having to spend a great deal of money.
If possible, avoid using styling products on your hair during allergy season. Your hair already picks up airborne allergens while you spend time outside. While wonderful for creating a lovely ‘do, these products may also increase the amount of pollen and allergens that become trapped in your hair.
Think about pulling up the carpet in your home. Carpet is known for harboring pollen, dust and dust mites. If carpeting is currently in your home and you have the finances to make a change, you may want to consider switching over to tile, wood, or laminate flooring. You will see a drastic decrease in the allergens. If you cannot do this, then vacuum on a daily basis.
Whenever you use allergy medications, be sure your dosage is correct. A lot of the medication require you to use it for a while before it becomes effective. Don’t expect instant results with certain kinds of medications, as they do tend to take some time before they kick in. Speak with a doctor about proper dosages.
If you suffer from a food allergy you should bring snacks that are safe to eat while traveling, so that you always have access to allergen-free food. Some foods may not include ingredients on the labels, which puts your child at risk of consuming an allergy trigger, such as dairy products, soy or nuts.
If you suffer from allergies, don’t put a lot of rugs and carpets in your home. Rugs attract and hold pollen and dust. 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.
Try to avoid becoming too stressed. Stress can increase your vulnerability to allergic reactions. It is is truth, even more so for those who have asthma. The higher their stress level, the more chances of an attack. While managing stress cannot get rid of allergies, it can make their symptoms less severe and help attacks pass more quickly.
Make sure you take out your trash. Rodents, insects and other vermin are attracted to garbage. Droppings from mice can cause allergies to get worse. If removing garbage from your home does not deter the vermin, you should think about setting up traps in your home. Use poison if traps don’t work.
If you are on medication for your allergies, be sure to take it as directed. A lot of medications need several days of usage to start working. Most allergy medications don’t work instantly, so taking them only when you experience symptoms often won’t do any good. Speak with a doctor about proper dosages.
Learn what items contain latex so that you can eliminate them from your home if you have a latex allergy. Rubber gloves, bandages, certain types of rubber bands, elastic in clothing, rugs and many more things often contain latex. There are many different alternatives to these items. Ask you doctor for advice on how to find them. Furthermore, make certain you read the labeling in order to spot latex warnings.
A lot of people suffer from latex allergies, and if you’re one of them, be sure that you’re staying far away from the product. Some of the things that have latex in them are gloves, clothing, condoms, and bandages. Substitute products are available, but you may want to ask your pharmacist where they can be found. Read labels thoroughly and see if they might have latex in it.
Sometimes the sort of vacation that appeals to you most is a quick trip to somewhere you’ve never been before. This can be a big problem if you get to your destination, but can’t enjoy the trip because allergens there keep you down. Before you pick a vacation spot, research the pollen count and weather in the area.
Dust Mites
If you have an allergy skin test and have a lot of different reactions, do not be afraid. There are many who interact with allergens daily without any noticeable repercussions. Sometimes, allergies are not discovered for years.
Sleep on synthetic pillows rather than ones stuffed with natural stuffings, such as feathers. Dust mites aren’t as attracted to synthetic pillows as they are to natural ones. Pillows should be washed to remove dust mites and allergens.
Dust your home at least once a week. Some people ignore this until they can actually see dust build up, but if you do it weekly, you will find that your allergy symptoms will be reduced because there are fewer allergens in the air in your home.
Instead of avoiding fun activities outside or going to public places like restaurants because of your embarrassing symptoms, take control of your allergies. Start by familiarizing yourself with all available treatment options, then learn how to control symptoms. Apply these tips and live a better life.
If you are experiencing seasonal allergies your might want to wash your hair and change your clothes, or even take a shower as you enter your house from the outside. You are very likely to bring in allergens from the outside when you are outside all the time.