5 Surprising Ways You Can Stop Seasonal Allergies
Do you suffer from allergies? If so, you are not alone. Nearly 60 million adults suffer from allergy symptoms, often called allergic rhinitis. For many, symptoms can be debilitating. In addition to being distracting and cumbersome, allergies can even make it challenging to complete day to day activities, focus at work, or get enough sleep. If you have tried just about everything you can think of, you may be surprised to learn that one or more of these 5 fixes could be the secret to eliminating your allergy symptoms once and for all. 1. Clean Everything:
Trying to escape the influx of pollen outside your house while being in a home strewn with dust mites and mold won’t do you any good. The best way to make sure you eliminate any allergens indoors is to clean everything- and we do mean everything. Wash your bedding in hot water, clean your carpet and furniture, check your air filters for accumulated dust, and make sure your home is free of mold spores- which can exacerbate symptoms. While you’re at it, make sure you wash your hair before going to bed, as pollen likes to stick to hair- especially hair with gel or mousse. Keeping your face and nose clean can also help cut down on your symptoms.
2. Reduce Stress:
You’ve probably heard the phrase “keep calm and carry on,” but did you know that it can also apply to your allergy symptoms? Reducing stress and incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help cut down on your symptoms. How? Stress raises the levels of a hormone called cortisol, which can lead to an amped-up allergic response. If you have a stressful day at work or an argument with a significant other, make sure you set aside some time to decompress, especially during allergy season.
3. Drink Water:
In addition to the myriad of benefits that come from increasing your water consumption, it can also cut down on your stuffiness during allergy season. Fluids thin mucus and help to hydrate the airways, both necessary to help eliminate (and even prevent!) a stuffy nose.
4. Identify and Prevent:
Knowing what your triggers are is the best way to prevent them. Try visiting an allergist, who can give you a skin prick test to help you identify the allergens specific to you. Preventing every single allergen is almost impossible, but if you know that pet dander bothers you, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
5. Find the Right Allergy Medicine for You:
Do you have a friend who swears by their nasal spray, but the same product seems to make your allergies worse? All allergy medications are NOT created equal, and it’s important to find what works the best for your specific situation and symptoms. For many people, immunotherapy shots can be a great long-term fix for their symptoms. Antihistamines can be both prescription and over the counter; talk to your doctor about which will work best for you. If you suffer from persistent allergy symptoms and are searching for a fix, Marvel Clinic can help. Get in touch with us today to at 931-230-7056 to discuss your allergies and how we can help you find relief.
