Although allergies are a fairly common and well-known condition, people who don’t have allergies don’t realize how much of an impact that these triggers can have on someone’s life. Pet dander and pollen are two common allergic triggers, which can be difficult to escape. Read this article for tips on dealing with your allergies.
Monitor pollen forecasts and plan accordingly. If you have access to the internet, many of the popular weather forecasting sites have a section dedicated to allergy forecasts including both air quality and pollen counts. On days when the count is going to be high, keep your windows closed and limit your time outdoors.
Hire someone to mow your lawn for you if you have allergies. Mowing sends pollen and other allergens flying as it plows through your yard, and as you move forward, you walk directly into these irritants. If cost is a concern, a professional Lawn Company is not always necessary. Simply asking around will usually yield a willing local teenager that will appreciate the chance to earn some spending money. If you must mow your lawn, yourself, wear a filtering face mask.
Whenever possible, choose tile, linoleum, or hardwood floors over carpeting. Even with regular vacuuming, carpet traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and many other common allergens. Solid floor types are easier to keep clean and allergen-free. If you prefer the soft feeling of carpet, rugs can be used. Area rugs trap less irritants, are easier to keep clean, and less expensive to replace.
Allergies can be a confusing condition for many people. People do not understand the difference between real food allergies and standard food intolerances. Allergies are caused by an immune reaction, while the latter is caused by digestion problems. Consult a doctor to find out the cause of your allergies, so you know what causes your condition.
Keeping yourself hydrated is an easy way to prevent and treat many bronchial allergy symptoms. If you are lacking fluids, you run the risk of having your mucosal membranes drying out or becoming inflamed. Failure to hydrate can also cause the mucosal glands to secrete excess substances.
A good way to reduce your exposure to allergens is to close your windows and doors in the morning and night. Many of the common allergens are at their peak during these times of the day. Most outdoor allergens are pollen. Natural sources like pollen are at their highest levels at these times of the day.
Going for a run around the neighborhood may make you feel wonderful and alive, but pollen and spores in the air can quickly spoil the experience. This is especially true if you are already fatigued or are recently recovering from an illness. In response to these conditions your immune system is compromised, which makes you far more likely to experience a severe allergic response to allergens.
If you are on either over-the-counter or prescription medication for your allergies, stay in contact with your primary care doctor and allergy specialist. With their expertise, you can make sure that your medication is suitable for your allergy symptoms, and that you’re using it properly.
Try to keep your indoor air as allergen free as possible. It might be tempting to open a window to let the fresh air in, however, when you do this you let the pollen into your home. So keep your windows shut. Also, be sure to change the filters on your air conditioner quite often.
Remove all pet hair from upholstery by vacuuming at least once a week. There are some vacuums available with a pet hair attachment that is better at picking up pet hair. Don’t allow your pets on your furniture to avoid any build-up of dander or hair in the future.
Make sure your home has a humidifier. This investment will pay dividends as your allergy suffering decreases. A humidifier introduces water droplets into the air. These droplets collect allergens and keep them from traveling any further. This can prevent them from entering the air you breathe normally.
Keep your pets out of the bedroom. It’s easy to forget that you spend eight to ten hours a day in your bedroom, so Fido and Kitty need to stay out. Pet hair and dander in your bedding and carpeting can definitely trigger your allergies. It’s better to keep your pets confined to other areas of the home where you spend less time.
Most people associate allergies with pollen, or pets. If you have tried everything to combat your allergy issues and nothing is working, then look to your diet. It’s possible something you are eating is causing you to have allergic reactions. When you thought it was just your cat, FiFi.
Car exhaust is an allergen, so if you have a garage that is attached to your home, you should pull your car out of it before letting it run. This is because car exhaust can make its way into your home, even if you have the garage door wide open.
Stay indoors whenever possible. Try to avoid being outside between the hours of 10am and 4pm, as this is when pollen levels are at their highest. On a day when the pollen count is extremely high, close the windows and doors, and be careful that your air conditioning unit does not draw pollen inside your home.
There are many different ways to deal with your allergies, whether it be simply avoiding the triggers (for those who have food allergies) or using over the counter medications like Claritin (for those who find it more difficult to escape triggers). Remember these tips and learn to live comfortably, even with allergies!