Itchy throat and nose, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes are common symptoms during a cold. The difference is that people who have allergies must manage the symptoms in a continuous manner. This is especially true when the seasons change. Know how to combat the triggers that cause allergies with the helpful information in this article.
Whenever you use a new OTC antihistamine, test it out at home first. Sometimes, they can make you tired and impair your reflexes. Even if the packaging does not contain a warning, when you take the first couple of doses, do it during a time that you are able to stay home and see how it makes you feel.
Dust Mites
There is no way that you can avoid dust mites. These mites dwell in pillows and mattresses, and they feed off flakes of skin. Disgusting! Use special covers and cases for your mattresses and pillows to fend of these nasty creatures. Wash your bed linens in hot water once per week to kill dust mites, too.
Reactions to certain allergens can happen at different times in life. One example of this principle is that babies are more likely to have food allergies because they have only recently been exposed to food proteins. As they grow older, they gain exposure to other protein allergens, perhaps even developing pollen allergies. Do not discount the possibility of an allergic reaction in your child simply because there has never been a reaction to non-food allergens in the past.
If you have allergies, and you want a pet, get an animal with short fur. The truth is that any animal with hair has the potential to inflame your allergies, but the shorter the hair is, the less allergens you have to contend with. Additionally, do not have your pets sleep on your bed if you want to keep your allergies under control.
Skin tests are reliable for identifying allergens, but these results cannot predict how severe a reaction you may have to these substances. You may learn from the test that pollen is an allergen that affects you. The amount of discomfort that you experience when exposed to that particular allergen may be minimal (or even non-existent) in the “real world.”
Avoid colorant in household items. You could be allergic. Even something as basic as toilet paper could be a problem if you use a brand that has dyes in it. Use ordinary white paper products instead, and you may notice a decline of your allergic symptoms.
If you have given the typical allergy remedies a try with no relief, do not give up so easily. There are more than just ingestible options for allergy sufferers. For instance, try over-the-counter nasal sprays and eye drops for allergy eyes or even prescription alternatives, such as leukotriene blockers and nasal steroids.
Sometimes pet owners wonder if their pets contribute to their allergies. The best way to test for this is to go to an allergen doctor and test for pet dander. You won’t necessarily have to rehome your pet, but you might have to take anti-allergy medication.
A lot of those with allergies have gotten the suggestion to get a humidifier to moisten the airways as one sleeps. This might not be a great way to do this because the humidifier can get the carpet wet which causes a musty smell. Nasal saline spray administered at bedtime is a far better idea.
Avoiding the triggers that cause your allergies is an excellent option for certain people, especially the ones that are allergic to certain foods like peanut butter or strawberries. However, it can be tougher to deal with allergies to pollen or pet dander. The advice in this article can help anyone deal with their allergies.