Allergies Getting You Down? Here Are 7 Tips to Help You Fight Back

From watery eyes to uncontrollable sneezing, allergies can put a damper on your plans and make you want to stay home and be miserable. But allergies don’t have to rule your life. With a little bit of know-how and some habit changes, you can learn how to control your allergies instead of letting allergies control you.

Know Your Allergy Triggers

Addressing your allergies starts with knowing what they are, and the only foolproof method of finding out what you’re allergic to is with an allergy skin test. These doctor-administered tests show you what allergens cause you to react and can help you develop a plan to avoid them.

Be Vigilant

Once you know what your allergies are, be vigilant about avoiding them, even when it’s inconvenient. If pollen allergies make your nose run like it’s participating in a marathon, watch the local pollen count and avoid outside activities when levels are high. If you have a pet dander allergy, but refuse to give up Fido, training pets to stay off furniture and bedding can help reduce your symptoms. By limiting your exposure to allergens, you can reduce your allergies and start feeling better quicker than you think.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, eight out of 10 Americans are regularly exposed to dust mites and six out of 10 are exposed to cat and dog dander. But you don’t have to just accept poor quality indoor air. By eliminating allergen hiding places, such as wall-to-wall carpeting and soft furniture, you can reduce allergens in and around your home. Keeping the house clean and uncluttered can also help, especially in the bedroom, where up to one-third of your time is spent. Shutting windows and doors can keep pollen and other outdoor allergens out of the house while decreasing humility can improve air quality and reduce your allergies.

Use Natural Cleaners

As part of improving the quality of your indoor air, you must keep your home clean and tidy, but many household cleaners are filled with harsh chemicals that can aggravate your allergies. Choose cleaners that use natural substances or make your own cleaners with vinegar and baking soda. Vacuum your floors and furniture once or twice a week and look for certified asthma- and allergy-friendly filters to reduce your exposure to allergens.

Wash When You Get Home

Every time you leave your house, you’re exposed to allergens and toxins in the environment. And when you get home, you bring them in with you. Instead of suffering through allergy symptoms, leave the allergens at the door. Take your shoes and coat off as soon as you get home and change your clothes right away. Wash your face, arms, and hands in warm, soapy water, or better yet, jump in the shower and give your body a quick rinse.

Wear a Mask

If you know you’re going to be exposed to allergens, wear a mask to reduce your exposure. Cloth facial masks can block up to 95 percent of allergens and reduce your allergy symptoms. Depending on your allergies, consider wearing a mask when you’re doing yard work, mowing, cleaning, or even changing bedding.

Drink Lots of Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is important to everyone, but few people know that staying hydrated can actually improve your allergies. Sipping on water, juice, and other non-alcoholic beverages keeps your mucus thin and reduces your allergic response. When your allergies are severe, opt for a warm beverage like tea, soup, or broth. The added steam can break up mucus and reduce your allergy symptoms.

Regardless of how severe your allergies are, with a few habit changes, you can reduce your exposure and your allergy symptoms, finally finding some much-needed relief.

Contact us at CareCube today to find out how we can help with your allergies.