4 Tips for Surviving Allergy Season

4 Tips for Surviving Allergy Season

For many, the Spring season can be a nightmare, especially for those who suffer from allergies to the point where staying indoors can occasionally be the only option. The change from wintery weather to humid, damp conditions is often the start of seasonal allergies, causing several unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and even diarrhea.

The number of allergy sufferers is now on the rise, and unfortunately, for sufferers, the severity of symptoms are continuing to worsen yearly. Within a study conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, it was reported that the number of US allergy sufferers alone has risen from 10% to 16% in recent years.

Here are four top tips for reducing your allergy symptoms:

1.  Refuse dairy and gluten

Recent studies have found that consuming dairy and gluten could, in fact, make any allergy symptoms worse as they commonly contribute to many food allergies. If you believe you may be developing a seasonal allergy, try and cut out gluten and dairy as there is a high likelihood they will add to your symptoms in the form of abdominal upset.

2.  Get rid of pests

Pests such as dust mites and bed bugs are a well-known cause of allergies. Therefore, it may be best to hire a pest control company to manage any infestations in and around your home. A reaction to pests may cause symptoms such as inflammation of the lungs and eyes and irritation to the skin.

To take control of the situation yourself, aim to change your mattress every 2-3 years. While it may seem a very short lifespan for a mattress, it can be extremely difficult to determine exactly where in the bedding the bugs are residing. It would be advised to use a protective cover on your mattress which not only will keep your bedding clean, but may also allow you to spot the bed bugs easier. Otherwise, look into qualified pest control to do the job properly for you the first time.

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Also, aim to keep your bedroom clutter-free to prevent bed bugs from hiding in snug, dark places – clothes and books are particularly attractive habitats for these insects.

3.  Be aware of bringing allergens into the home

If you have been outdoors during the day, one top tip would be to change your clothing when you enter the home to avoid bringing allergens into your living space. Shower each night to wash off any remaining pollen on your skin and wipe the paws of your pets if they have been roaming outdoors.

4. Visit your doctor

If you are struggling to work out the cause of your allergic reactions, you should make a trip to your GP and discuss your symptoms. The start of the warmer weather season varies depending on which state you live in, meaning that allergy seasons differ throughout the US. There are many remedies available on prescription which may reduce the severity of your symptoms. The most common allergy relief are medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, which should be taken around a week or so before symptoms occur to truly feel the benefit.