Simple and Easy Tips for Allergy Relief
Your eyes are watery, your nose is itchy, your head is throbbing.it's allergy season again.
At Preferred Care, we know that the symptoms can really be a problem. So that you can feel better and breathe easier, it helps to know if you are suffering from seasonal sensitivity to pollens and air particles from flowers, weeds, trees, and grass, or longer-term reactions to pet dander, dust, mold spores, and other common household allergens.
Seasonal allergies
Caused by particles in the air you breathe, seasonal allergies are often triggered at the same times each year-early in spring, summer, or fall. Allergy symptoms can be similar to that of a cold, but usually last longer. A cold may last a week or two, but allergies can last weeks, months, or all season.
Household allergies
If you suspect that your symptoms may be caused by household allergens, think about where you are in your home when your symptoms are strongest.if you have damp basement, mold spores could possibly be the trigger; if you are near pet bedding, pet dander could be what you are sensitive to. Allergies to pets can be easy to detect if symptoms clear up when you stay away from your pet or where your pet's bedding is located.
So how can you avoid or reduce allergy symptoms?
| • First, focus on what is causing your symptoms. If symptoms occur during the same season or time of year, do some homework to learn about possible allergens or pollens that may be in the air. |
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• Check the pollen index in your local newspaper to learn what outdoor allergens might be in the air. For example, when grass pollens are high, if your symptoms are worse, grass may be what's causing your symptoms. |
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• Notice what is in bloom in your yard when your allergy symptoms are bothering you most. |
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• Try to identify patterns of where and when your allergies bother you most so that you can avoid the causes of your symptoms. |
| • Keep car and house windows shut.especially at night when you are sleeping. |
| • Vacuum often to reduce dust and pet dander. |
| • Use a dehumidifier to reduce molds and moisture in your home. |
| • Consider using an air conditioner or air purifier in your home with a HEPA filter to reduce pollens and air particles in your home. |
| • Avoid carpeting, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, upholstered pillows or other materials that collect dust and/or dust mites. |
| • For ongoing symptoms, check with your doctor. He or she may have more suggestions, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications.or may suggest allergy shots to help you feel better. |
Our online Health Encyclopedia offers more information to help you manage allergies:
How to avoid outdoor allergens
How to control allergens in your home |
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