Ways of Coping with Seasonal Allergies

When flowers bloom and trees bud pollen counts can rise. How can you cope with the runny nose and frequent sneezing so common of seasonal allergy symptoms and the start of spring?

You can’t completely avoid seasonal allergens. You can reduce your symptoms and minimize your exposure. Review the following tips:

• Keep doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high

• Air conditioning in your house and car helps to clean, cool and dry the air.

• On dry, windy days it is best to stay indoors. After a good rain that helps clear pollen from the air is a good time to go outside.

• Dehumidifiers reduce indoor humidity

• Keep windows closed at night

• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom

Spring cleaning is also good for reducing allergens. Review the following tips for spring cleaning:

• Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows

• Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit

• Vacuum carpets weekly using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter

• If you are highly sensitive to dust mites, consider removing all carpeting

• For curtains and blinds, use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric. Horizontal blinds can be replaced with washable roller-type shades.

• Furnishings simply designed such as easy-to-clean chairs, dressers and nightstands made of leather, wood, metal or plastic is best. Avoid upholstered furniture if you are prone to allergies.

• Remove items that collect dust such as knickknacks, books and magazines.

• If you experience allergy symptoms and own plants it might be a good idea to try and do without them. You can also spread aquarium gravel over the dirt to help contain mold if you can’t give them up.

Additional everyday allergy prevention tips:

• Use the exhaust fan on your to stove to remove cooking fumes and reduce the moisture.

• Wash dishes daily. Scrub the sink and faucet with a mixture of one quart water and one tablespoon bleach to remove mold and food debris.

• Clean cabinets and countertops with the same mixture of bleach and water.

• Place garbage in a can with an insect-proof lid and empty daily.

If after you have done all you can in the way of self-care and you still experience seasonal allergy symptoms talk to your doctor about medications, nasal sprays or eye drops.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 3-2007.

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Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

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