How to Treat Indoor & Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Do you need to know how to treat indoor and seasonal allergy symptoms? Do you have itchy, watery eyes, congestion, sneezing, or sinus headaches around the same time every year? Like me, if you get repeated cold like symptoms, you might have indoor and seasonal allergies, and you can get help dealing with what you're allergic to. Allergies are not fun for anyone. But by protecting yourself and your environment from things you are allergic to, you can reduce the number of sneezey, stuffy days significantly. Here are steps you can take for how to treat allergy symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antihistamines
• Doctor's appointment
• Air purifier
• Air conditioner
• Plastic mattress and pillow covers
• Vacuum
• Febreeze or other allergen reducing spray

1. Ask your doctor about how to treat allergies and he may recommend an allergy test. This consists of a series of injections on one's back with trace amounts of suspected allergens. He'll evaluate reactions in each site (degree and size of swelling and redness) to determine what you're allergic to. He may prescribe antihistamines or allergy shots. This seasonal allergy treatment introduces trace amounts of your specific allergens into your bloodstream, so your body builds natural antibodies to fight allergens. You'll become “immune” to these allergens when encountering them in nature. This process takes months to years of weekly office visits.

2. Try over the counter antihistamines if allergy shots aren't for you. This seasonal allergy treatment blocks allergens from receptors in your body. Some are available over the counter. You don't need a prescription for Allegra and Claritin. Additionally, Benadryl contains antihistamines, but take it at night since it can cause drowsiness.

3. Reduce your exposure to allergens. If you're allergic to pets, clean up pet hair and litter boxes daily. Don’t allow them where you sleep. For children who are allergic to dust, reduce the number of stuffed animals around since they attract dust and pollen. Wash curtains and bedding regularly to eliminate dust and pollen. Buy plastic covers for pillows and mattresses. These fit underneath pillowcases and bedding.

4. Clean often. If you're allergic to dust, vacuum carpets and rugs regularly. Better yet, ask a family member to dust when you're not home, since dusting makes dust airborne for you to breathe. If you must dust yourself, wear a paper mask, available at home improvement stores, or “wet dust” with a damp paper towel.

5. Allergen-proof your home. Hardwood, tile, or laminate floors are preferable to carpet that traps allergens. Furniture with glass doors instead of open shelving limits how much dust accumulates. Reducing knickknacks means fewer surfaces to catch dust, making dusting easier. Double paned windows with blind systems built in reduce allergens that cling to normal blinds.

6. Improve air quality. If you're allergic to pollen, open your windows less often. Use air-conditioning in the summer. If you're allergic to mold, dust, or pets, the opposite is helpful; air out your home regularly. Check ventilation and use air purifiers to remove dust and pollen. Use allergen reducing sprays like Febreeze to improve the air and reduce the allergens on your rugs and furniture.

7. Check the weather. If you're allergic to pollen or mold, your local weather will tell you pollen/mold predictions for the day. Limit outdoor activities when the pollen forecast is “high.” For more ideas on how to clear the air, see the links in the resource section below. Good luck learning how to treat allergies!

Tips & Warnings

• Be advised that Allegra-D and Claritin-D contain decongestants. The ingredient that aids in relieving your congestion is a substance similar to caffeine. So if you consume caffeine regularly, or have a sensitivity to caffeine, you may become restless, sleepless, shaky, or feel your pulse race. If these symptoms occur, don’t consume caffeinated drinks. If they persist, contact your doctor.
• Be advised that Allegra and Claritn were formally prescription medications. If you encounter any negative side effects, discontinue their use and contact your doctor for alternatives.

Resources

• Remove cigarette smoke from walls
• Remove cigarette smoke from your home
• Clear your sinuses

[Susang6]

on 11/29/2008 I'm allergic to dust, so removing carpet and drapes is very helpful. Great tips!

[QueenofMisc]

on 11/26/2008 Great suggestions! Replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile is very helpful. Thanks for the ideas.