If allergy symptoms are bothering you, some simple strategies could be your best defense, from least to most invasive. Try some, and you may not need to hit the pharmacy for over-the-counter medicines for allergy, or to visit your doctor’s clinic for prescription treatment.
Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, are the most common allergies in the United States and are triggered by pollen. Symptoms of spring allergies are commonly triggered by tree pollen. Other allergies are prevalent during other seasons. Children are more likely to experience grass allergies during the summer, while those with ragweed allergies will suffer allergic symptoms in the fall. You may be suffering from spring allergies if you are experiencing congestion or sinus pressure, itchy or watery eyes, cough, runny nose or irritated nasal passages, itchy or sore throat, reduced sense of taste or smell, or swollen under eyes.
These mild symptoms can be annoying and may disappear over time. However, severe pollen allergies can interfere with your child’s schoolwork and prevent him/her from playing their favourite outdoor games. The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the allergen that triggers allergic symptoms, but at certain times of year, that may be quite difficult. Below are some practical recommendations that can help safeguard you against allergies and keep stuffiness and sneezing irritation at bay.
- Wear a mask –Preferably wear a mask whenever you do gardening. This will help you keep pollen out of your nose and mouth.
- Shampoo at night –It is important to rinse the pollen out to avoid allergies. Products like gel or mousse can trap pollen; therefore, make sure you rinse them out before you go to bed.
- Keep your nose clean – pollens are more likely to stick to your nose. You can try a saline sinus rinse to clean your nose. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can buy an herbal nasal spray that you can find at any drugstore to prevent allergic reactions in your nose. If nasal washes and antihistamines don’t help to eliminate your allergic reaction. Try prescription sprays like Flonase to relieve allergy symptoms. Make sure you use allergy medicines under a doctor’s supervision.
- Ditch the carpeting – Opt for wood flooring over wall carpets, if possible. It may feel cushy underfoot, but carpet, especially in the bedroom where you spend most of your time, can be a haven for dust mites. Because carpets interfere with moisture evaporation, they can promote the growth of dust mites and mould. Both are common allergens known to thrive in high humidity. Choosing wood flooring over carpet is a good option.
- Don’t let your pets sleep with you – Do not let your kids sleep with the family dog, cat or any other pets. Snuggling with all that fur is not a good idea. Pet’s hair, dander, and saliva are known to be the real allergens that can cause sniffles, even in adults who are not highly allergic. If your child sneezes or has a runny nose for three or more weeks, your child may be allergic to your pet.
- Think twice about houseplants –If you love to put plants, rethink putting them during spring. You might not know that houseplants can be surprisingly irritating, and they can become homes for mould spores that thrive in warm, wet soil. If you can completely avoid them, make sure to avoid overwatering to keep mold at bay. Keep a close eye on rotten leaves, which can be a sign of overwatering and may lead to an allergic reaction. Remember, fake plants or silk plants are not good substitutes for real plants; they are notorious dust collectors.
- Turn on the air conditioners –Running your air conditioner is a great way to prevent allergy and pollen from entering your house, which is more likely to happen when your windows are open. Air conditioning helps allergy sufferers by reducing the humidity in the home. If you can’t sue your air conditioner, keep your windows closed until the afternoon. Morning is when pollen counts are higher. Also, switch off your fans, as they will end up blowing pollen around the room.
- Check your bathroom –The green stuff that forms in your bathtub or near the tap gives off spores that get sent into the air. These spores can cause sneezing, wheezing, and other allergic reactions. To mildew, scrub the tub or tap with a combo of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Do not leave your bathmat wet; hang it over the shower rod to dry, and be sure to wash it regularly.
Best medicine to combat an allergy
The best medicine for seasonal allergies depends on your symptoms, but second-generation antihistamines are often preferred and prescribed because they provide effective relief with less drowsiness. Common options include cetirizine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine, and desloratadine. These medications help reduce sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and itching caused by pollen and other seasonal allergens. For moderate to severe nasal allergy symptoms, healthcare providers may recommend a corticosteroid nasal spray, which can be more effective than antihistamines for controlling nasal congestion and inflammation. Allergy eye drops may also help relieve itchy, watery eyes.
The most suitable treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, and how frequently your allergies occur. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the best medicine option for your needs and to ensure safe use of any allergy medication. For the best savings on medicine and smooth doorstep delivery, check the running deals and discounts on AllDayChemist.
This ultimate guide to preventing allergies and managing allergy symptoms is for informational purposes only. Consulting a doctor is important before you start or administer any medicinal course, oral or topical.
Also Read: The Ultimate Allergy Survival Guide
