Life is hard enough without allergies dragging you down! If you’re an allergy sufferer, this article should be useful to you. Read on to learn how to control your allergy symptoms so you can actually enjoy life.
It’s quite tempting to pop your house’s windows open for a little cheap, all-natural ventilation when the weather outside is right. However, this should be avoided because it might cause your allergies to flare up. To help effectively reduce allergens present in your home, consider installing a HEPA filter in your air conditioning unit. It might not be as fresh as fresh air, but your breathing will improve.
For safety’s sake, remember to use over-the-counter antihistamine when you are at home. Most of these products have ingredients that could make you sleepy or disturb your reflexes. 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.
If you have the chance to choose, avoid placing large rugs or carpets in any rooms inside your house. Carpet is nearly impossible to completely clean, and the fibers hold onto dust, mites, dander, pollen and other substances that are quite irritating to allergy sufferers. Flooring that can be swept and easily mopped is best for allergy sufferers.
Allergen that can’t be avoided is dust mites. As the name implies, mites love to burrow in your mattress and pillows, feasting on your discarded skin cells! That’s gross! To fight this, you can put your mattress and pillow in a cover that is designed for your bed. Then, wash your bedding weekly in hot water, because hot water can kill dust mites.
People are more likely to have allergies at different times in their lives. For instance, babies are first given protein when eating food, which is why food allergies are so common in small children. As they grow older and are introduced to other types of foods they are not used to, they may develop allergies to some of those new foods. 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.
Different age groups have different levels of vulnerability to allergens. Babies may be allergic to a number of types of foods when first introduced to them. Later in life, a child may become accustomed to a previously irritating food yet develop an allergy to some other substance, such as pollen. You need to keep in mind that children are quite capable of developing genuine allergies to airborne spores or pollen, even if they have never had an allergic reaction to anything other than foods.
If you must have a pet in your life, get one that is short-haired. While practically any animal can cause an allergic reaction, animals that shed long hair are more likely to do so. You also want to avoid sleeping with your pets if you don’t want to have an allergic reaction.
Keep your bathroom well-ventilated in order to keep mildew and mold at bay. Moist, warm temperatures create a breeding ground for these common allergens. Keep wet towels and washcloths hung on bars, and turn on a fan after showering. If your bathroom does not contain a fan, open a window to let cold air in.
Skin tests can help you figure out what you are allergic to, although they do not really help you understand how allergic you are to something. For instance, a test might indicate that you’re allergic to a particular type of spore. However, that spore may only result in a mild reaction or you might not have a reaction at all.
Allergy Treatments
Keep yourself hydrated if you want to alleviate bronchial allergy symptoms. When you are dehydrated, the membranes of your nose and throat can become dry and irritated. In addition, if you aren’t properly hydrated, your bronchial tubes are affected because your mucosal glands produce hard-to-break-up secretions.
There are many allergy treatments, so don’t throw in the towel after only a couple of tries. In addition to oral medications, there are many other forms that can offer a reprieve from your allergic symptoms. Allergy treatments include everything from eye drops and nasal sprays to prescription leukotriene blockers and steroids.
Many people in western states use decorative olive trees as landscape additions. However, these tress produce a lot of pollen. If you learn to identify these trees when you see them that will aid you in devising ways to protect yourself from any allergens. One solution that people have found for dealing with these trees is to hose them down for a few minutes per day.
If you have allergies, try to eliminate the trigger that bothers you most. Get rid of dust if it is bugging you and making your allergies flare. If your pets cause you trouble, you may need to find them new homes or at least keep them clean and brushed all the time. Pet dander can be kept to a minimum with regular dusting and vacuuming.
Keep windows closed to keep allergens out of your home. Opening the windows allows pollen to enter your house, causing your allergies to flare up. Also, to eliminate allergens, be sure your air conditioning and vents are clean.
If possible, avoid using styling products on your hair during allergy season. Your hair already picks up airborne allergens while you spend time outside. Unfortunately, hair products are notorious for catching and storing unwanted allergens.
You may not be sure whether or not your pet is causing your allergies. You can have a pet dander test performed by an allergen doctor. If you pet is the cause, it is unlikely that you will have to go as far as getting rid of the pet. That said, you will likely have to change a few things.
If you have a latex allergy, avoid anything that contains it. You should avoid latex clothing, gloves, bandages and condoms. There are many different alternatives to these items. Ask you doctor for advice on how to find them. Also, always look over all labels to see if there are any latex warnings.
If you suffer from allergies, then try to limit what causes you the most trouble. If you discover dust to be an issue, make sure to clean regularly and do your best to get rid of what dust you can. If pets are your issue, then think about re-homing them or make sure they are clean and well groomed at all times. Regular dusting and vacuuming is essential in order to reduce the amount of lose pet hair in your home.
If you enjoy the aroma of clean laundry, think about using fabric softener or a product without much scent. True, using a clothesline to dry your clothing may result in a natural, clean scent. However, it could put your clothes in direct contact with mold spores or pollen. Using fragranced laundry products is only wise for someone who does not suffer from sensitivity to such substances.
Before taking over-the-counter allergy medications, consider speaking with a healthcare professional; this is especially important if you have other medical conditions. They can advise you of any potential risks or side effects, as well as tell how you can get the most effective use out of it. They can also recommend alternate medications if you are unhappy with the performance of your current choice.
When you want to go on vacation, you might want to pick a place and just go! This can be a great risk if you have an allergy sufferer in your family. Do your research to avoid vacationing in a place that poses high allergy attack risks.
Make sure your bathroom is spic and span. Bathrooms grow mold more than anywhere else, so clean your bathroom once a week. To reduce mold, wipe your walls with a bleach and water mix. This prevents mold from building up over time and causing your allergies to worsen.
This article should have given you some solutions for dealing with the allergies that have been bothering you. Allergies are one annoyance that no one should have to worry about. There is simply too much to do, see, and enjoy in the world to let allergies slow one down. When you implement the tips in this article, you are celebrating the first day of your allergy-free life!
If you have a latex allergy, you need to avoid all products that contain latex. Make sure you avoid latex bandages, clothing, gloves, and condoms. Ask your pharmacist to help you find some of the many alternatives to these items. Also remember to look at the labels for warnings and it will serve as a heads-up.