How to Survive Seasonal Allergies

Oh, those seasonal allergies brought on by pollen such as trees, weeds, and grasses. How can you avoid them? How can you survive the season with allergies? Read on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Seasonal allergies usually occur in the early spring and early fall. The pollen is spread by wind and insects causing misery for many people. Pollen from trees are usually oak, elm, birch, ash, hickory, olive, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress, and walnut trees. With such a wide variety, how can you escape?

2. Grass pollen arrives in early spring and summer during the cutting season.

3. Weed pollen such as ragweed, sagebrush, and tumbleweed are prevalent in the early fall. With all this pollen, what can you do to survive the allergies?

4. If your allergy symptoms are severe, consider seeing an allergist to be tested for the type of pollen that is affecting you. Once the allergist has discovered the irritant, you will be advised to stay inside during the time of season that the pollen is present. You may be prescribed medicine to help cope with the allergy and possibly have shots to help.

5. 

   To help, there are a few actions you can take. Keep windows closed. Keep windows closed while in your car. When the pollen count is high, stay indoors. Avoid mowing lawns if you're allergic to grass. Machine dry your clothes instead of hanging them out on a line. Sleep with the windows closed at night. Wash hands and eyes after being outside.

6. Use an air conditioner, vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, or an air filtering device on your heating or cooling system, to remove the allergens in the air and on surfaces.

7. There are some natural remedies, but please use caution. Some natural remedies have not been tested thoroughly. Butterbur is a shrub with huge leaves. It's most commonly taken as tablets called Petadolex, Petaforce, or Tesalin. It's also available in teas.

8. 

   Quercetin is a herbal supplement that reduces sinus pain. Apples and red onions contain good amounts of quercetin. Ironically, apples can cross-react to people who are allergic to tree pollen and cause allergic symptoms. Talk with your doctor.

9. With some proactive planning, you can survive seasonal allergies.

Tips & Warnings

• Daily news usually gives an updated pollen count.
• Consider vacationing during the peak season in your area.

Resources

• How to Relieve A Tension Headache
• More Articles by Hapworth

[Ladybugblue]

on 8/3/2008 Good ideas! I have lots of allergies!

[momandpopoften]

on 8/3/2008 Another treatment for allergies is homeopathy. You'll need to find a classical homeopath to prescribe the right remedy. Well worth it though! Homeopathy has helped our family immensely!

[LilacGirl]

on 7/31/2008 A good article, detailed and helpful as well as timely.