3 Tips You May Need as Allergy Season Approaches
When you think of spring you may think about beautiful flower buds and blooming trees, but unfortunately another part of the population may fear the incoming storm of seasonal allergies. These can include sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, a runny nose and a long list of annoying symptoms. Seasonal allergies such as hay fever can make your life very difficult. But fear not you won't have to settle for plastic flowers and artificial plants. These tips will help you survive the season and make your life more pleasant.
Tip1: Basic Preventative measures
Reduce your exposure
Keeping your home pollen-free is the first step in success. Keep your windows closed at all times, especially when it's windy in the morning. Try to to maximize your time indoors when pollen counts are high. In the case that you do go out, take your shoes and clothes off when coming back indoors. Put your clothes in the wash and keep the indoors as clean as possible by dusting regularly and using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. End your day by showering thoroughly to get rid of any pollen that's been collected in your hair or body throughout the day.
Exercise
A simple 30 minute run on a treadmill has been proven effective for people who suffer from congestion and sneezing. These exercises are more effective than intense workout as they help open up the nasal passages which helps ease congestion.
Turn on that AC
Air conditioning units have air filters that filter allergens. It's recommended to change your air filters every 3 month to maximize its efficiency. Even if you're feeling chilly you should turn on the fan setting as this prevents the allergens from circulating in your room.
Tip 2: Home Remedies
Alter your Diet
Focus on what you're eating and the triggers you have that may cause your symptoms to worsen. Sometimes you may notice that eating certain produce gives you a sore throat or an itchy mouth. This is because the produce you consumed may contain the same proteins found in the pollen. With fruits or vegetables that trigger a reaction, you must avoid eating them raw and cook them as the heat used breaks down the proteins found. On top of this you can also add fruit to your diet to help naturally fight off your allergies. Foods like apples, strawberries, turmeric,pumpkin seeds and others will help boost your immunity and contain beneficial properties that will help reduce your symptoms.
Oral Antihistamines
There's only so far you can go by just consuming natural products before you need something a little stronger. Oral antihistamines help block histamines means which is the chemical that the body produces during an allergic reaction. These medications such as zyrtec or benadryl generally provide relief within an hour and can reach its peak effectiveness in a day or two.
Probiotics
These friendly bacteria help prevent allergies by regulating the immune system. These probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt. There are many flavoured probiotic drinks sold such as Yakult which would help boost your immunity. These drinks are readily available groceries.
Tip 3: Alternate Treatments
Antihistamine sprays
Over-the-counter antihistamines work well, however there are prescription antihistamine nasal sprays that have much larger advantages compared to antihistamines. These sprays deliver the medication very quickly in areas where the symptoms occur and work efficiently within just minutes.
Allergy shots
If you're feeling extra desperate for long term relief, you can try allergy shots. With these you can get custom made formula shots to match your allergies and needs. The results of these shots can last decades, but the downside to this treatment is the amount of time it takes. You would start with a weekly shot which would last up to a year. Then monthly shots for 3 to 5 years, which is a little daunting. Also you would also have to remain at the doctor's office for an additional thirty minutes to make sure you don't have a severe anaphylactic reaction.
Allergies, depending on the severity, have the capability of making your life miserable, which is why you should definitely take the necessary precautions to live a more comfortable life.
Buckeye Northwest Realty provides houses for rent in Toledo, Ohio and the surrounding areas. To learn more about houses for rent, contact us today!
