Spring Into Action: How to Get Rid of Seasonal Allergies
More than 50 million people suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies cause so much discomfort and can greatly interfere with your quality of life. If you’re an allergy sufferer, never fear! There are ways to handle seasonal allergies that make you more comfortable. Continue reading if you want to learn how to get rid of seasonal allergies.
What Are Allergies?
Our immune system is amazing. It naturally fights off infections like viruses and bacteria when they make us sick. However, sometimes that immune system is compromised due to allergens.
Allergies happen when an allergen causes your immune system to go into overdrive because it views the otherwise harmless allergen as a foreign substance. When this happens, your body produces symptoms that are uncomfortable.
Here are some common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies:
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Hay fever
- Hives
- Congestion or runny nose
- Irritated or scratchy throat
- Allergies can worsen those who have asthma
Depending on the severity of your allergies, your symptoms could be more bothersome. You can be allergic to more than one substance for a period of time or for the rest of your life.
Seasonal allergies occur when allergens like pollen fill the air in the spring. These allergies are called seasonal because they only happen according to the season.
You can be allergic to different kinds of pollen, like ragweed, oak, grass, and birch. Mold is also a frequent allergy trigger.
Getting Tested For Allergies
Some people are content to manage their seasonal allergies, but for others, doctors may refer them to an allergist.
An allergist is a medical professional that specializes in allergies. They perform a skin prick test to see what specific allergies you have. Knowing exactly what your allergies are can help you handle them properly.
The allergist may even make suggestions as to which medications or treatments will best suit your allergic reactions.
How to Get Rid of Seasonal Allergies
Seasons allergies get in the way of our pattern of life, but there are ways in which we can manage them. Here are some ways to get started.
1. Know Your Triggers
It’s impossible to avoid your allergies if you don’t know your triggers. Triggers are allergens that cause allergic reactions.
For example, if you know that you’re allergic to tree pollen, then it’s considered a trigger. Once you understand what your triggers are, it’s easier to avoid places that are crawling with specific allergens.
Avoiding your triggers is the best way to control your allergy symptoms.
2. Take Over-The-Counter Medications
Many over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec combat allergy symptoms for 24 hours. They come in either a liquid, pill, or capsule form. You can also take a decongestant to help with congestion.
If you prefer not to take medications orally, there are nasal sprays that are convenient as well like Omnaris Nasal Spray.
If you prefer not to take medications at all, you can try and control the symptoms by using a neti-pot to clear your sinuses or diffusing essential oils like lavender.
3. Watch The Weather
Most weather apps or online weather resources will tell you the pollen count for the day. Before heading out in the morning, check the pollen count to asses how it might affect your allergies and what steps or medications you need to take to feel comfortable.
4. Keep A Clean Home
While many people do not enjoy cleaning, this chore is a positive step in keeping your allergy symptoms at bay. Pollen particles can find their way into your home via shoes, clothes, bags, or even pets. Having people remove their shoes before they enter your home goes a long way to keep the pollen out.
Also, if you’ve been outside around pollen, consider washing your hands or taking a shower to ensure it doesn’t irritate you further. Establish a regular cleaning routine that involves vacuuming and dusting to catch all the pollen. Don’t forget to bathe your pet as well!
Pollen can also enter your home by blowing in through open windows or doors. Keep your doors and windows closed so extra pollen doesn’t
5. Take Precautionary Measures
If you know you will be around triggers, it’s important to take precautionary measures to protect yourself from the frustrating symptoms. For example, if you cannot avoid being outdoors, try wearing a facial mask which helps you from inhaling lots of pollen. Or wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
6. Allergy Shots
Allergies that struggle to be kept in check may need different types of treatments. Allergy shots are a common treatment that allergist recommends for allergies that are unresponsive to OTC medications or other methods.
Allergy shots consist of a series of shots that work with your immune system to improve your body’s reactions to allergens. While the rounds of shots may take several years to complete, near the end, you should be free of any symptoms.
7. See Your Doctor
If your allergies are really out of control, talk with your doctor. They may know about possible prescription medications or methods you can use to manage your allergies so you can find relief.
Allergy Prevention: Find Relief Today
Seasonal allergies don’t have to dominate your life. Now that you know how to get rid of seasonal allergies, start implementing these tips to control your symptoms. You may be surprised by just how much they’ll help with staying comfortable throughout those difficult seasons.
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