According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 50 million Americans struggle with allergies each year. Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies every year? Learn how to combat seasonal allergies with this guide. Keep reading to learn more.
Don’t Expose Yourself to Triggers
If you’re wondering how to stop allergies, the best thing you can do is prevent exposure to the things that trigger your allergies.
Windy days can bring up a lot of pollen so you want to avoid being outdoors. After it’s rained for a few days you should be okay to go out because rain helps to rid the air of pollen.
You should also avoid doing outdoor chores like mowing the lawn or gardening.
Rid Your Home of Allergens Too
Your allergies can act up even if you stay at home. Make sure to keep your windows closed when there’s a lot of pollen outside to avoid it getting inside.
Keep the air circulating inside your home free of allergens with the help of a HEPA filter. Clean your home often to prevent the build-up of dust. Don’t forget to vacuum your floors a few times a week too.
Shower After Being Outdoors
Learning how to stop allergies immediately at home is as simple as taking a shower when you get home. Every time you leave the house outdoor allergens stick to your skin, hair, and clothes.
Avoid bringing these potential triggers into your home by taking off your shoes before going into your house. Leave your clothes in the laundry hamper for washing and take a shower right away.
Try Using a Dehumidifier
Mold and mildew is a major allergen for many people. Mold thrives in moist areas with little ventilation, most commonly in bathrooms.
You can avoid the growth of mold and mildew by keeping the air in your home dry. Dehumidifiers are made to remove moisture. Keep one in your room when your allergies start acting up and this can help you feel better right away.
There Are Many Over the Counter Medications
Are you wondering how to stop allergies immediately? One of the best solutions is to buy some over-the-counter allergy medication.
Oral antihistamines like Claritin can relieve some of your allergy symptoms including an itchy or runny nose. Oral decongestants like Sudafed are great at relieving a stuffy nose.
Claritin-D or Allegra-D are medications that combine the power of a decongestant and an antihistamine to help relieve your allergy symptoms.
Keep a Well-Balanced Diet
Keeping a well-balanced diet is vital for staying healthy and preventing many chronic illnesses. A good diet can also prevent some of your allergy symptoms.
Incorporating whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables into your meals will build your immune system and decrease your chances of getting sick.
There’s nothing to lose by trying to improve your diet and seeing if it helps prevent some allergy symptoms at the start of the allergy season.
Use a Mask When You Can’t Avoid Allergens
You can’t always avoid going outside when there’s a high pollen count. Sometimes you don’t have anyone to help you with the yard work during the week.
When you can’t avoid some of your allergens, the best thing to do is wear a mask. Any type of face covering that goes over your mouth and nose should protect you from breathing in the allergens that cause you some of your worst symptoms.
For the best protection, however, you should consider an N95 mask. These will prevent allergens and viruses from getting into your airways.
Essential Oils Can Help
If you’re looking for some natural remedies for seasonal allergies you can always try using essential oils. Made from the extract of plants, many of these oils work to purify the air and can improve your allergy symptoms.
Although not FDA approved, peppermint oil is said to reduce allergy symptoms when diffused into the air in your home. Use eucalyptus oil to make your laundry smell great and rid it of pollen brought in from outside. You can also dilute these essential oils with a carrier oil and apply them to your skin.
Try a Saline Solution
Try using a nasal saline solution purchased from the pharmacy to help relieve nasal congestion or a runny nose. You can buy a kit that’s ready to use.
Talk to Your Doctor
While many of these tips can help relieve your allergy symptoms sometimes nothing you try seems to help you. If this is your case you should speak to your doctor about referring you to an allergist.
An allergist may suggest testing to determine what exactly triggers your allergies. This is the best step to take so you can find the treatment that works best for you. Many doctors suggest allergy shots which work by reducing allergy symptoms over time.
Check out Meritage Medical Network’s list of primary care physicians to find the right doctor for you. Once you’re able to see a doctor through our network they can refer you to an allergist.
Combat Seasonal Allergies With These Tips
Combat seasonal allergies with some of the tips in this guide. You should avoid triggers when you can. Talk to your doctor about other treatments when natural remedies aren’t relieving your allergy symptoms. Check out our website to learn more about Meritage Medical Network.