Win The War Against Allergies With These Simple Solutions
Some people are excited about spring because it means that flowers start blooming, birds begin singing, and skies get sunny. However, other people dread spring because it means that they will begin sneezing and experiencing itchy eyes and runny noses. If you are like many others who suffer from allergies, you may be able to find relief with some of the following tips.
Use hypo-allergenic cases for your pillows to keep dust mites from aggravating your allergies while you sleep. These cases seal the mites out of your pillow, yet remove easily for washing. Dust mites are a major cause of indoor allergies, so this simple step can save you a lot of suffering.
Quoting: „With this handy skin test, I was able to discover that I’m allergic to most trees, grasses, a variety of nuts, wheat and canteloupe (both only slightly) and cats.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
You do not have to avoid the great outdoors during allergy season. Just make sure you follow your prescribed treatment, and take whatever precautions are necessary to make your outing enjoyable. When you do this, you will be gaining the great effects of fresh air while keeping your allergies at bay.
Allergies from pollen are stronger in the morning and the evening, so if you suffer from nagging allergies, try to remember to keep your windows closed during these times of the day. As enjoyable as the fresh air may be, it will cause you to be miserable from the impact of your allergies.
Since exercise increases the amount of air your lungs take in, if you have pesky allergies, keep your workouts indoors. All of the pollen and other particulates that trigger your allergic reactions will get into your system much quicker and in a greater amount when doing any strenuous activity outdoors.
Wherever possible, use something other than carpeting and rugs as floor coverings in your home. Carpet is very hard to clean and the fibers inside the carpet hold onto mites, dusts, pollen, dander and other particles that could irritate allergy sufferers. Flooring that can be cleaned easily is more practical.
Dust mites are a very difficult allergen to control. As you might have expected from the name, these critters are a fixture on mattresses and pillows. They eat the flakes that you shed from your skin. Despicable! Use special covers and cases for your mattresses and pillows to fend of these nasty creatures. The follow-up is weekly cleaning of your bedding with a very hot wash, since heat is a dust mite killer.
Understand the fundamental differences between irritants and allergens. Exposure to an allergen provokes a physical reaction in your body in response to an unnatural protein. Irritants include things like paper dust, chemical fumes, perfume and cigarette smoke. These substances are irksome, but they do not carry an actual health risk, most of the time.
Make your home a little more allergy-free by implementing a no-shoes policy. Why? Because shoes come in from outdoors and carry with them dirt and pollen among other things, only adding to the indoor allergens you are already trying to eliminate. When guests come, offer them slippers or socks you keep especially for this purpose!
If you are exercising outside during allergy season, and you are having trouble breathing, you should consider lightening your outdoor workout. Try running less, or not as hard so it is easier for you to breathe. Exercise is very important so keep it up!
International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you suffer from food allergies, do not be afraid to ask about ingredients at gatherings or carry-ins. Most people will not mind telling you what is in a dish, and you can avoid potentially harmful reactions. If you are concerned about having enough to eat, prepare a dish to share that you know is safe for you to eat.
Avoid buying products that contain artificial dyes, as many people are allergic to them. This may even include your toilet paper because there could be designs that are dyed onto them. You may be surprised to find that you suffer fewer allergy symptoms when you use paper products that are free of colorants.
If you are allergic to certain kinds of insect stings, you may want to consult an allergist, who can help with a procedure called desensitization. Over the course of about three months, the allergist will inject a tiny amount of venom under your skin until your body can tolerate and fight against any future stings.
To reduce the volume allergens in your home, consider changing up your current window coverings. Horizontal blinds are major allergen offenders and are known to collect allergens on the surface of the blinds. Instead, opt for window dressings made from synthetic materials like acrylic or nylon. Washable roller shades are another good option.
Purchasing a free-standing HEPA filter system can drastically reduce the amount of pet dander and other allergens in your home. For best results, clean the filter regularly and position the unit centrally within your home. This will effectively remove irritating substances more than the average air-conditioning unit. It may also save on your cooling costs.
Clean your nose out by using a nasal rinse. You can buy these at your local drugstore. You can even make your own using a salt water mixture. This will rid your nasal cavities of any irritants that cause allergies, like pollen. This also prevents buildup from happening over time.
Shower and change your clothes before going to bed every night. Be sure to thoroughly shampoo your hair. This will eliminate the buildup of allergens you acquire through the day. This also helps from spreading allergens, like dust and pollen, to your bed and making allergy symptoms worse overnight.
When picking out furniture for your home, keep your allergies in mind. Smooth, wipeable surfaces like leather and vinyl are good choices. Wooden furniture is a valid choice, too, especially if it comes with washable cushions or covers. Avoid upholstered furniture that will be hard to keep clean; mites, dust, dander and other irritants can be impossible to remove.
Allergies have the capacity to ruin your overall quality of life and saddle you with a tremendous burden. This does not mean you have to take a back seat to your symptoms and let them control you. There are effective treatments available that can significantly reduce or even eliminate these symptoms. Start using the advice you have learned from this article right away.
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