| While many people are aware of allergies and experience some of the symptoms, not everybody realizes when they may have allergies to particles in the air! Pollen, pet dander and hay are common triggers for severe or recurring allergic symptoms. Read the tips in this article to help manage your allergies.
If your allergies act up in the summer, it is important that you keep your air conditioner clean. Air conditioners hold a lot of dust and mold, and if you do not clean them, your allergies are just going to get worse. Furthermore, try not to sleep right next to an air conditioner, as this can also make your allergies worsened.
One way to keep allergies under control is to make sure that your basement does not become too humid. This is critical because humidity will cause mold and mold is bad for a number of reasons including allergic out breaks. Be sure to keep the humidity level to around 40% with the use of a dehumidifier.
Do some investigating. Many people suffer from allergies and do not know the cause. The best thing that you can do to help is to try to identify what is the allergen that is causing your symptoms. Try to keep a log of when you are having symptoms, so that you can figure out what is the cause of your allergies.
If you own pets, bathe them frequently when allergy season arrives. This is especially true for dog owners. Not only, are pets' hair and dander irritants on their own, animal fur is a magnet for pollen floating in the air, allowing these particles to hitch a ride on your pet and invade your home.
Sometimes allergy causing foods can spread through utensils. Be sure to use utensils, and tools that are easily to clean. Cast iron cookware, wooden cutting boards, and utensils can absorb food allergens. This makes it easy to spread them to other foods that you prepare. Opt to buy stainless steel cookware, and utensils.
Know the outdoor plants you are allergic to and check the calendar! You should know this information, if you can plan outdoor activities. This way, you can plan them on what days you should be taking your allergy medicine or packing some with you for the day.
If you have carpeting anywhere in your home, be sure to take the time to vacuum it a few times a week. Also do not be stingy when you purchase a vacuum. Spend a little more to get a good quality vacuum and make sure that it has a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter which will help trap allergens.
If your allergy symptoms flare up frequently, you may want to think about getting allergy shots. These work by a physician injecting a small amount of allergen into your system over time. Eventually, your immune system will be able to fight off allergy attacks. These are usually given for 3 to 5 years.
Whenever it is feasible, keep your home on the cool side, preferably between 60 and 70 degrees. Pests like dust mites, and cockroaches as well as fungi like molds prefer warmer air temperatures. Droppings from insects, and spores from the mold are major allergy triggers. A cooler home may just be a healthier home.
Learning about your options, including avoiding triggers, over the counter antihistamines, like Claritin or nasal saline irrigation systems, is a great way to deal with your symptoms. Don't let your constant sneezing and other symptoms run your life! Remember the tips in this article, so that you can breathe easy and live with ease. |