In a perfect world, warmer weather would be nothing more than a chance to spend more time outside. But we don’t live in a perfect world, and because of that, spring and summer mean something else for many people: allergies.
From coughing and sneezing to sounding like you have a frog in your throat, allergies aren’t fun. You can, however, find comfort in solidarity—allergies plague more than 50 million people besides yourself each year.
That means that you’re not alone and that many other people are trying to figure out how to combat allergies as well. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s look at some of the steps you can take to combat airborne allergies.
Make Sure Allergies Are the Problem
The first thing you’re going to want to do is ensure that allergies truly are the culprit. If they aren’t, many of the other steps on this guide won’t be helpful to you.
The easiest way to know whether it’s allergies is by paying attention to how long your symptoms stick around. As any allergy sufferer can attest to, they tend to last a long time.
If you experience congestion for two or more weeks, there’s a good chance that allergies are the culprit. You should also watch out for other specific symptoms, like runny eyes and clear mucus.
Take Medication
Yes, it sounds obvious, but many allergy sufferers try to grin and bear it. Don’t do take! Take medication to help you feel better.
You can find OTC medication for an affordable price at any local drug store. All of these can provide you with much-needed relief. They won’t help fix the underlying issue, but they can help provide you with temporary comfort.
Just make sure to read the label before taking any medication. A lot of allergy medicine can make you drowsy!
Try Salt Water
If you don’t feel like making a trip to the drug store, try using salt water to help provide relief. Depending on what you have on hand, there are a few different ways that you can use it.
If your throat gets sore during allergy season, try simply gargling with salt water once or twice a day. That can help soothe any irritation caused by post-nasal drip.
You can also get a saline nasal rinse. You then shoot this into your nose to clear out any allergens. It might sound strange or even painful, but it’s not. It is, however, a great way to provide much-needed comfort.
Change Your Clothes When You Get Home
If you’re not someone who works from home and has to step out of the house each day, make sure to change your clothes as soon as you step foot in your home.
Why is that?
Because allergens can attach and cling onto your clothes. When you walk around your home, you can then spread them to other surfaces, like furniture and carpets.
It’s also a good idea to take a shower before bed. Besides helping clear out your sinuses, the water can also help wash away any allergens on your body or hair. You then don’t have to worry about bringing them into your bed.
Wear a Mask Outside
Fun fact: masks don’t just help stop the spread of COVID-19 (or new and emerging threats, like the Delta variant)—they also help with other issues and illnesses, including allergies.
If you’re working in your yard or in a place where you know there are allergens, consider wearing a mask to limit your exposure. Make sure to take it off as soon as you return to your home.
One recommendation: make sure the mask you wear to combat allergens is an N95 mask. These are the most effective at keeping particles away. Anything else won’t be too effective!
Control What Goes in and Out of Your Home
Sure, a nice summer breeze sifting through your home is lovely, but not if it’s bringing pollen and other undesirables inside. Do your best to control what filters in and out of your home during allergy season.
If you’re someone who is allergic to things like mold and dust, then throwing open the windows might provide you with the relief you need. Know your triggers and you can understand how to combat them.
Regardless of what type of allergens bother you the most, replacing your air filters is never a bad idea. We recommend this site for affordable filters: c3045.
Don’t Be Outside Longer Than You Have to
It’s easy to downplay allergy symptoms, but it’s important to take them seriously. Besides being uncomfortable, they can also exacerbate other types of discomfort that you may have.
Because of that, don’t be afraid to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors during the height of allergy season. This doesn’t mean that you should stay inside at all times, but it does mean that you should look for ways to adapt.
Maybe that means working out inside instead of outside or carpooling with a friend to the office instead of walking. You’ll thank yourself later for taking them seriously!
Understand How to Combat Allergies
When allergy season rolls around, it can put a real damper on even the most beautiful weather. Luckily, there are steps you can take to get some relief.
Use this guide to help you better understand how to combat allergies. By following the tips mentioned, you’ll find comfort in no time.
Are you looking for more guides and tips on how to stay healthy? If you are, make sure to check out the rest of our site for more great content.
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