Allergies cause inflammation of the skin, sinuses and airways; over time this chronic inflammation can reduce immunity function and decrease overall immune system health.
Children living with food allergies face many unique obstacles and difficulties. Some families report anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. This FARE blog post emphasizes the significance of planning ahead and being ready for an allergic reaction.
Change Your Clothes
Pollen from grass, trees, weeds and flowers can easily stick to clothes during allergy season and then transfer onto furniture and bedding if you sit on it or go to sleep on it – thus prompting frequent clothing changes after spending time outdoors. Antihistamines help ease sneezing and itching symptoms while decongestants reduce stuffy noses for maximum relief.
Clothing and linens that are regularly changed out can help significantly decrease allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and mildew present in fabrics. Thorough drying of your fabrics is also vital as mold and mildew thrive when damp materials remain undried – this can exacerbate allergies by creating itching and rashes for allergy sufferers.
Leave your shoes at the door to avoid tracking allergens into the home. Remove hats and coats upon entry, as well as cuddling with pets who could carry pollen or other allergenic materials on their fur. Stuffed animals may also contain allergens so find new homes for any belonging to your children who might cause allergic reactions.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best natural ways to combat allergy symptoms, helping thin out mucus secretions and decrease sinus congestion – making breathing much simpler! Plus, water will also assist your body in flushing away toxins more effectively.
Studies have demonstrated the value of maintaining optimal hydration to significantly decrease allergic symptom intensity and duration. The key is drinking enough fluids throughout the day while limiting dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeinated drinks that deplete water reserves.
Dehydration is one of the primary factors leading to worsened allergy symptoms, as it reduces your immune system’s ability to capture and remove allergens from your body. Furthermore, histamine production increases in dehydrated individuals leading to more sneezing or other allergic reactions.
An optimal goal should be drinking eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated, especially during allergy season and dry climates. You can also hydrate with herbal teas that can soothe throat discomfort and provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms. When making dietary changes, staying hydrated is just as essential as choosing allergy-friendly food choices; apps and websites exist that can assist people who live with food allergies in finding safe restaurants when traveling or on vacation.
Take a Hot Shower
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to usually harmless substances. These allergens, also called allergens, can trigger coughing fits, runny noses and itchy eyes and skin symptoms ranging from coughing to runny noses, itchy eyes and skin conditions. While it’s best to try and steer clear of pollen spores and grass clippings altogether in order to limit symptoms from allergies, it may not always be possible.
A hot shower can help reduce allergy symptoms by washing away allergens that cling to both your body and clothes. Plus, steam can soothe airways while heat thins mucus build-up in your lungs.
Showering at night before you go to sleep can also help improve your restful slumber. Allergens from your day’s activities may linger on clothing and hair, and without an adequate shower ritual beforehand they could recirculate into your mattress and worsen allergy symptoms at night.
Before trying any home remedies to treat allergies, it’s best to first consult with your physician. While over-the-counter medication may help, selecting the appropriate type for your symptoms is key – including decongestants, antihistamines and nasal sprays. Stress reduction techniques like yoga, restful sleep and meditation may also aid.
See Your Doctor
One of the best ways to identify what causes your allergies is visiting an allergy doctor. He or she will perform a complete medical history review as well as conduct a physical exam that includes looking closely at your eyes, ears, nose and throat – including your ears, nose and throat! He may also conduct lung function testing or an X-ray, along with skin tests or patch tests or blood analyses as needed to ascertain exactly which allergens cause your reactions.
Your allergy specialist can explain what caused your allergies and provide treatments, including prescription medication to lower immune system responses to allergens and reduce symptoms. Your doctor will also teach you how to identify triggers; in cases involving food-based allergies they may ask that certain items be eliminated for two to four weeks and then added back again as part of a trial to see if symptoms improve.
Minor allergies may be treated using over-the-counter drugs, but you should see an allergy specialist if your symptoms don’t improve or are worsening. Sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes that interfere with day-to-day living or are interfering with sleep are signs that it may be time for an allergy appointment.
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