Tips For Allergy Sufferers

The warmer temperatures lately have been wonderful! However, if you are like me, you are noticing one draw back. Allergies. Yes, these warmer temperatures are causing allergy season to come earlier this year. According to The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, approximately 40 million Americans suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies. Often, the symptoms of seasonal allergies can leave you feeling quite miserable.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?
Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy nose and post-nasal drip. Not everybody experiences all of these symptoms, sometimes there may only be one occurring. It can be hard to tell the difference between a cold and allergies. Typically, if your symptoms last longer than a week, it could be allergies.

Reducing your exposure to allergens.
Just by simply reducing your exposure to the things that trigger your signs and symptoms (allergens), you can significantly reduce your symptoms.

  - Stay inside on dry or windy days. It is best to go outside just after it rains because the rain helps
    clear pollen from the air.

  - Let someone else be in charge of the yard work such as mowing the lawn and gardening.

  - Remove clothes that you have worn inside and put them directly in the washer to prevent the
    allergens from floating around inside. Showering may also be a good idea to remove pollen from
    your skin and hair.

  - Don't hang laundry up to dry outside because pollen can stick to it.

  - Check the news for pollen levels and avoid being outside when the pollen levels are high.

  - Start taking medication at least 2 weeks before your symptoms start to give it time to work.

  - Keep windows closed in your car and home, use your AC instead.

  - Avoid early morning outdoor activity when pollen counts are the highest.

  - Try different OTC medications if one is not working for you.

Knowing when to seek help.
If none of these remedies are working, it may be time to see an allergist. They will do skin testing or blood work to see exactly what you are allergic to and prescribe a treatment that is right for you.

Sources:
More, Daniel. "Seasonal Allergies." About.com Allergies. About.com, 06 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2012. http://allergies.about.com/od/allergies101/a/seasonalallergy.htm.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Springtime Allergies: Nip Them in the Bud." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2012. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/springtime-allergies/AA00060>.