Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. If you are one of the 50 million Americans who experience various types of allergies each year, we feel your pain. From sinus swelling to itchy and watery eyes, uncomfortable symptoms can prevent you from feeling your best self throughout the spring season. Here are seven ways you can survive allergy season like a pro, without having to sacrifice your ability to enjoy the great outdoors.
1. Know your triggers.
Which allergens are causing your body to react? This is step one in resolving chronic allergy symptoms and setting yourself up on a path to a solution. Through an exam, a discussion of your symptoms, and allergy testing you will know which allergens to avoid. You might even find there is an underlying sinus problem that needs to be fixed. Did you know nine out of ten patients who suffer nasal congestion due to allergies also suffer from an anatomic blockage in their nose?
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2. Perform regular sinus rinses.
Many people suffering with congestion, allergies, or sinus pressure are familiar with the term “neti pot” or an irrigation squeeze bottle to rinse the sinuses. This technique has been around for thousands of years in Ayurveda as a pillar to a healthy lifestyle and keeping sinuses and nasal passages clean. If you are worried or hesitant about getting started, click here for a live demonstration by Dr. Madan Kandula.
3. Wash away allergens, daily.
A shower a day keeps the allergens away! Getting rid of all the pollen stuck to your hair and clothes at the end of each day is key, especially for those with seasonal allergies. Create good habits by removing your clothes and placing them right into the laundry to reduce exposure to allergens.
4. Stay consistent with antihistamines.
Medications work more efficiently in combating allergies before symptoms begin. If you find that over-the-counter medications are no longer an effective way to reduce symptoms, allergen immunotherapy could be a solution for you. Although allergies cannot be cured, allergen immunotherapy builds your immunity’s resistance to allergens and can create long-term remission from allergies! Click here for more information.
5. Garden wisely.
Do you have allergies, but simply can’t resist your green thumb? We know how you feel, we’ve been there, too. No need to give up your garden, but it may be in your best interest to avoid plants and flowers that are known to cause allergic reactions. There are several beautiful flowers that are better choices than high-allergen plants like lilacs or gardenias. Do your research.
6. Wear shades.
We wouldn’t wish eye allergies on anyone, it’s uncomfortable and at times can be difficult to control. Eye allergies, or commonly referred to as allergic conjunctivitis, is when the immune system mistakes an allergen as a dangerous substance. Aside from the suggested steps to take above, wearing oversized shades to block pollen from entering your eyes and eyelids will certainly help.
7. Check your local weather.
The more you know about your allergies, the better - including the weather and how that impacts allergen levels on any given day. We recommend using the WebMD Allergy App to search for allergen information in your location, establish a symptoms tracker, and get access to WebMD articles, slideshows, and videos packed with information about common allergies and treatment.
Are you interested in learning more about how to manage your allergies? Schedule online today.