Dealing with Allergy Symptoms
For several people, it is misery to see spring come around for those with seasonal allergy symptoms.
Approximately 40% to 60 million people each year get affected by allergens of fresh cut lawns, flowerings of trees and flowers, and weeds release pollen. Allergic rhinitis is the medical term not only for the spring but also for the summer and the fall for hay fever and seasonal allergies.
One of the most effective strategies for reducing your exposure to allergens is also one of the simplest. Therefore, monitor counts of local pollen and try to stay indoors during the hours when allergens peak. Even with such recommendations, we see many people coming to our allergy clinic in OKC with severe allergic symptoms. For them here a few suggestions -
Take a shower before going to bed. This helps remove pollen from your skin and hair throughout the day so that you do not sleep on allergens.
A saline nasal spray is used on the counter (OTC). This helps clear a blocked nose and remove pollen and other allergens accumulated in it. You can use these products as often as you like but after you have been outdoor and before your bed, it is an especially good idea.
Run the air conditioner. You may be tempted to open your windows, but pollen can be brought into your home through those lovely breezes. The doors and windows should be kept closed so that no pollen can come in. An air purifier could also help here.
Regularly vacuum. This can help you pick up stray pollen particles, like pet dander and dust mites, which are floating in your home. It has been found that vacuums with regular filters have sucked dander and dust like those with HEPA filters and that some of these small particles were just as good to stop the air blowing back. Have somebody else do your vacuum and avoid bagless vacuums which may raise dust if you empty them.
Keep your lawn clean. Short grass is less likely than high grass to release pollen, so mow regularly. Have anyone else mow it, if possible. Wear a facial mask available in hardware stores and sunglasses to prevent the blowing of pollens into the nose, mouth, and eyes. Clean your gutters regularly and clean them down.
Allergy Treatment and Prevention Strategy
Keep nose clean. With the use of saltwater nasal rinse, pollen and other irritants can be cleared in the nose. In a 2007 study, irrigation of the nose has been shown to offer better results than commercial nasal sprays.
Try allergy medicine on the market. Without a doctor's visit you can purchase Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine). This medication is good to stop allergy related sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes. However, it is always advisable to consult doctors at the allergy clinic in OKC if OTC antihistamines aren't sufficient or the condition turns worse.
Try allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, if things get wrong. Allergy shots can help with many of the symptoms, particularly if people have tried all other things and still have difficulties. These shots require a small amount of the substance you are allergic to be regularly injected. According to the Mayo Clinic, the idea is to encourage your immune system and help you desensitize your body towards the allergens.
Avoidable Foods
In this season one should avoid foods like sugar, chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, processed foods and alcohol. Some people have allergies to normally healthy foods like cucumbers, sunflower seeds, melons, peanuts, bananas, soy, wheat, shellfish, echinacea, conventional dairy, chamomile, and bottled citrus juice, so it's good for you to find out your allergy profile.
Foods to Eat
Do not miss local raw honey, apple cider vinegar, bone broth, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, pineapple, free-range poultry, probiotic-rich foods, hot and spicy foods, and fresh organic vegetables. Such foods contain essential B vitamins, enzymes, and fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
For your allergy treatment in OKC come to OKOA. In our allergy clinic in OKC you will get professional help to combat your problems so you can finally enjoy spring.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.