Each change in the season brings about its own unique presence. Spring, summer, autumn and winter all bring their own rewards to those who have been anticipating their return.
However, for millions of Americans suffering from allergies, the changing seasons bring about their own terrors as well. Pollens accompany spring, smog abounds during the summer and autumn's falling leaves can also trigger allergic reactions. And since almost everyone spends a lot of time indoors during the winter, they are more susceptible to the effects of the common house dust!
The symptoms of an allergic reaction may vary from one person to another. For some, the symptoms may be as mild as an irritating postnasal drip while others may experience more severe symptoms of a full allergy attack (coughing, sneezing and itchy, red, teary eyes). Still other allergy sufferers may experience fatal or near-fatal symptoms such as those plaguing people with allergic asthma.
Aside from the usual medications, the symptoms of mild allergies can be successfully reduced or eliminated by following these simple suggestions:
. By all means, avoid the offending allergen. An allergen is any specific substance which can trigger an allergic reaction. This may include pollens, smog, dust, animal hair, certain foods, dust mites and others. It is both wise and practical that you avoid anything that can trigger an allergy attack. Or otherwise observe the necessary caution when you are forced into a situation that makes avoiding the allergens impossible.
. Shut the windows, please. This is especially helpful during the pollen season. Keeping the windows shut can keep the pollens out of the house!
. Splash it up. Soothe red, itchy eyes by rinsing them with cool, clean water.
. Soothe congested nasal passages with a warm washcloth. One of the symptoms of an allergic reaction is painful and congested nasal passages. To ease this, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and place it over the nose and the upper-cheek area. It will definitely make things better! . Saline solution, anyone? To remove irritants, which may have clogged and inflamed the upper respiratory tract, try irrigating the nose with saline solution. This may also help remove some of the inflammatory cells.
. Remove pollen and other allergens by washing your hair. Spending time outdoors makes it unavoidable for the offending particles to stick to your hair, clothing and other body parts. Try to shrug it off by washing your hair as soon as you get home.
. Taking a shower helps. Sometimes, even washing your hair doesn't get rid of every bit of the allergen and you wake up in the middle of the night with a full allergy attack. Try taking a warm shower to get rid of the allergens. It will also help you relax and makes going back to sleep easier. . Wear protective eyewear. When going out on a windy day, especially during the pollen season, wearing protective eyewear such as a pair of sunglasses may help shield your eyes from airborne allergens. For added protection, try wearing sunglasses with side shields or perhaps you can try wearing a pair of goggles.
. Take extra caution during smoggy days. As much as possible, don't go out or spend as little time as possible outdoors during smoggy days.
. No smoking please! Tobacco smoke is a major no-no especially for those suffering from respiratory allergies. Avoid this by enforcing a strict no-smoking rule inside your house.
There you have it! Some simple tips to reduce your allergy miseries. The next time you are bothered by an allergy attack, try putting them to use. You practically have nothing else to lose and everything to gain!
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