Swelling of the eyes, itchy throat, runny nose, and wheezing are just some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Hives, rashes, breathing trouble, low blood pressure, and asthma attacks are severe cases of allergies that many people face during spring and summer, when the concentration of allergens is high and the trees are blooming. According to research, allergies affect about 50 million people in the US alone. Whether you’re allergic to weed, grass and tree pollen, dust mites, mold spores or pet dander, you can learn to live with your allergies easily.
Ditch carpets and rugs
People with allergies should not have carpets in their home, because pet dander and all the dirt cannot be thoroughly cleaned out of the rug. This can cause various respiratory irritations and even trigger asthma attacks in severe cases. Floors that you can easily mop are the best solution. Furthermore, try not to walk around the house in footwear that you’ve worn outside, because you’ll spread out the dirt that will irritate allergy sufferers.
Hydration is vital
Keeping your body hydrated is essential for preventing the irritation of bronchial tubes. The bronchial mucosa can become dry and inflamed if your throat isn’t hydrated, so drink a lot of fluids during the day even if you do not feel thirsty. Furthermore, without proper hydration, an excess of mucosa will irritate your bronchial tubes, making the allergies unbearable.
Keep the air clean
Most of the allergy sufferers said that they tend to feel much better when they use air humidifiers in their homes. Furthermore, to keep the air indoor pollen free, don’t open the windows early in the morning and in the evening, because that’s the time when the concentration of pollen is at its peak. While leaving the windows closed can prevent the allergens from coming inside to a certain point, using a HEPA filter will definitely keep the air allergen-free. Invest in the best HEPA air purifier and place it in your bedroom, living room, office or anywhere you spend a lot of time during the day, to help you breathe easily. It’s also a good idea to have a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter as well, to make sure all the allergens are not spread through the air when you’re cleaning.
Take a shower after being outside
The best way to remove pollen from your body when you come home is to take a shower. Wash your hair as well, and wash the clothes you’ve been wearing. If you sit down on the couch, or spend time in those clothes inside, you’ll spread the pollen around the furniture and only extend your exposure to allergens. Therefore, always take a shower after you’ve been outdoors and wash your hands frequently. Don’t dry your clothes outside, because pollen will stick to them again and make your allergies worse.
Stress out less
Stress is our biggest enemy, and when it comes to allergies, it can make them more severe than they’d be if you felt at ease. The more stressed out you are, the more susceptible to asthma attack you’ll be. While always staying calm can’t cure your asthma or other allergic reactions, it will keep the intensity of them at bay and let you live with more comfort.
Be careful with medications
Antihistamines are the first choice of medications when it comes to allergies, and they are easily accessible. Fexofenadine, cetirizine and loratadine are some of the most commonly used medications that don’t cause drowsiness. It’s important that you always follow the instructions before taking any of the medications, because many of them can cause addiction and even make your allergies worse if you use them longer than prescribed.
Final thoughts
Living with allergies doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you do your best to live in a clean environment, avoid spending much time outside when the concentration of pollen is high, use air purifiers, and pay attention to what medications you use, you’ll relieve the symptoms and make your life with allergies bearable.