Be Prepared for Fall Allergies
Protecting yourself from allergens is an ongoing effort. Millions of people suffer from fall allergies and quickly turn to medications to ease the suffering. Unfortunately, some people suffer so much that medications might not reduce all of their symptoms. Additionally, some people might prefer to take more natural steps to ward off allergy symptoms.
Reduce Allergic Load
There are many ways in which you can reduce allergic load. Everyone is different, but essentially, you need to find the point at which your body is comfortable. Imagine you are carrying a large bag of allergens with you all day. If you reduce the load, it’s easier to manage, but you will struggle day and night if your bag becomes too heavy. Because of this, it is essential to understand what is triggering your allergies so you can make an action plan.
Allergy Testing
One way people learn about what they are allergic to is through allergy testing. An allergist will tell you if you are allergic to common triggers like grasses, trees, foods, and more. They might also provide allergy shots or other forms of medications or therapies to help combat the symptoms.
Keep an Allergy Diary
Another way to know what you are allergic to is to pay attention to things that make you feel ill.
For example, many people can tell that they are allergic to dust (dust mites), ragweed, or even certain kinds of foods because of the way they react when around them or consuming them. Allergens can make a person sneeze and foods can make their lips or mouth burn or tingle. Finding ways to avoid contact with any offending items is a great way to reduce your overall allergic load.
Common Allergy Issues and Solutions
Dust Mite Allergy
- Make sure you wear a mask, gloves, and maybe even goggles while dusting.
- The dust particles will stick to your hair and clothes and will be in the air shortly after you dust. Consider running a high-quality indoor air purifier to help reduce airborne particles.
- After being outdoors or dusting, you should take all of your clothes off, put them in the washer, and make sure you take a shower.
- Get allergy pillow covers and wash or change your pillowcases 2-3 times a week. If you can, wash your pillow frequently. People spend 7-8 hours a night on dirty pillows. Getting pillow covers and washing your pillowcase is an easy, inexpensive fix.
Food Intolerances
- Avoid foods that cause symptoms. You may not have a full-blown allergy to a specific food but an intolerance. Listen to your body, and if you notice itching, discomfort, abdominal pain, gas, or any other symptoms that make you feel uncomfortable, talk to your doctor. It’s helpful to keep a food diary, too, so that you can find trends in symptoms.
- There may be times of year that certain foods are more difficult to tolerate. For example, many ragweed sufferers also have issues with bananas, chamomile, Echinacea, zucchini, watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe, white potato, sunflower seeds, and honeydew during ragweed season.
Seasonal Allergies
- Spend less time outdoors.
- When you go outside, do not go out during peak pollination times. The best times to go out are before dawn or late in the evening. The worst time is usually mid-afternoon.
- Wear an allergy mask when outside.
- Take your clothes off when you enter the home.
- Take a shower if necessary.
- Keep windows closed and run an indoor air purifier with a HEPA filter all of the time.
Allergies are Getting Worse
Most doctors agree that allergy season is longer and more intense. Many people who didn’t have allergies are now experiencing symptoms.
People who already had problems with seasonal allergies are now experiencing more severe symptoms. Take control of your health by doing your best to avoid triggers. Talk to your doctor about testing and options. Most people can find ways to improve their quality of life with a few minor changes.
If you are interested in reducing airborne allergens in your home or office, please check out our AiraNui deluxe indoor air purifier with ozone generator.
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