3 Tips For Combating Seasonal Allergies
Around the end of winter or beginning of spring, seasonal allergies can start to be a significant problem for many people. Combating seasonal allergies usually takes a combination of finding the right medication and avoiding allergens as much as possible.
Keep An Eye On Pollen Counts
Any long-term medications you take for seasonal allergies should be taken a couple of weeks before the season begins. This will give your medication a chance to start working before the height of the pollen season. Registering for daily emails on pollen counts can be helpful. Depending on where you live and whether the winter was harsh or mild, spring pollen can begin earlier than expected. Having allergy tests to make a determination about the types of pollen that cause you problems will also be helpful. This can help you avoid taking medication when it is not necessary and eventually building a tolerance to the medication.
Avoid Bringing The Outside In
Although you may only think of seasonal allergies as an outdoor problem, many people experience symptoms while they are inside. Part of the reason is that bringing pollen inside is easy. One concern is opening your windows to allow cool air into your home during pollen season. Pollen can easily be carried inside and is difficult to get rid of since the pollen grains can stick everywhere. Be especially vigilant about keeping your sleeping areas clean and pollen-free. When you come in from outside, avoid bringing your shoes and clothing inside the bedroom. If possible, undress elsewhere in the house, and you may even want to throw your clothing straight into the wash. Wearing a hat, especially if you do not wash your hair daily, will minimize the amount of pollen that ends up on your pillow.
Take The Appropriate Medication
If you are new to seasonal allergies, you might rely on medications that are not designed for long-term use. Medications, such as diphenhydramine, can quickly relieve some of your allergy symptoms, but it also makes you sleepy. Additionally, diphenhydramine will give you rebound symptoms if you take the medication frequently. Rebound symptoms usually include a stuffy nose and sneezing, and it can take days of abstaining from over-use of certain antihistamines before the symptoms stop. Either talk with your doctor about the best medications to use for symptom control or rely on antihistamines that you only take once or twice each day.
In most instances, once or twice-daily antihistamines will reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies. Additionally, keeping your home pollen-free can prevent outdoor allergens from becoming a nuisance indoors.
To learn more about allergies, contact a medical professional in your area.
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