Allergies are an increasingly prevalent condition that compromises one’s immune system, causing your body to react inappropriately to normally harmless substances, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes.
Food allergies have become far more widespread since even two or three decades ago, which many attribute to increased exposure to allergens.
Know Your Triggers
Allergies affect people of all ages and can have severe repercussions if left untreated. While symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes might seem minor to those without allergies themselves, they can take an emotional toll both on those experiencing allergies as well as their family members and caretakers.
Allergies are caused by immune reactions to typically harmless substances known as allergens. When allergens enter the body, your immune system attacks them by secreting chemicals that release an array of uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening symptoms.
Airborne allergens like pollen, mold spores, pet dander and dust mites can trigger allergic reactions in both the nose and lungs, as well as through skin contact causing symptoms like rashes or itchy eyes and nose. Foods, medications or environmental pollutants may also play a part in inducing allergies.
Step one in relieving allergy symptoms is to understand their source. A good way to do this is to keep a diary of symptoms that arise, noting the time and day they occur and noting any changes that could have an impact. Allergy testing (skin or blood tests) may also help narrow down what’s triggering them and to prescribe medication or even epinephrine injectors in case an allergic reaction becomes severe.
Change Your Clothes
Allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and pet dander often become embedded in clothing and hair when we go outside, so when returning from being outdoors it’s essential that shoes be taken off immediately upon entry and change of clothes as soon as possible to prevent allergens from being tracked throughout the house, potentially triggering allergic symptoms for those sensitive.
Before sitting down on the sofa or bed, it’s advisable to change into clean clothing to prevent allergy triggers from migrating onto furniture and giving your allergies a respite. In addition, if you spent any time outdoors it would also be wise to shower right after coming inside in order to rid yourself of any allergens clinging to clothing – this will provide greater comfort as you prepare to sleep.
Be sure to wash any new clothing or linens you acquire before wearing them, too. Many garments and bedding contain chemical dyes and finish sprays which could potentially irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergic reactions; select detergents which are labeled hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and phosphate-free as recommended by medical professionals for best results.
Keep Your Home Clean
Cleaning the house when you have allergy symptoms can be a challenging endeavor. Sweeping alone stirs up dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and other allergens; additionally, many cleaners contain chemicals which irritate throat and nasal passages and let outdoor allergens in through windows and opening them can bring even more into the airborne triggers that make cleaning harder than expected.
For maximum allergen control in your home, be sure to utilize a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter and regularly maintain its effectiveness by cleaning its filter. Furthermore, consider purchasing a dehumidifier in areas where high moisture levels create damp conditions that foster mildew growth or other potential allergens.
Clutter can be an allergy sufferer’s worst enemy, providing more hiding places for allergens to thrive. Be ruthless in eliminating the clutter that’s gathering dust around you; donate, sell or dispose of items no longer required as soon as you no longer require them. Limit decorative items as much as possible and store knickknacks such as toys and mementos safely away in closed storage solutions.
At least twice weekly (more frequently for high traffic areas), make sure you dust, mop and vacuum every surface in your home (using microfiber cloth or one certified to be asthma and allergy friendly(r). Furthermore, wipe down surfaces like kitchen and bathroom walls/cabinets, garbage disposals/produce bins/refrigerator seals/shelfing for optimal cleanliness.
Stay Healthy
Sneezing during pollen season or experiencing itchy eyes around pets might seem like mere minor inconveniences to those without allergies, but when left untreated they can have far-reaching health impacts and severely diminish quality of life.
Allergies cause chronic inflammation that can lead to numerous health problems. Untreated allergies can wreak havoc on your sinuses, leading to painful sinusitis that is debilitating; sinusitis may also make breathing difficult, leading to asthma attacks necessitating inhalers or emergency care treatment.
Inflammation is a healthy response to perceived or real threats; however, when chronic inflammation sets in it can erode away at your immune system’s defenses. Allergic reactions often trigger chronic inflammation which in turn impacts multiple organs and systems throughout your body.
Living with allergies can be challenging, but there are ways to cope. Consult a board-certified allergist who will develop an individual treatment plan tailored specifically for you and alert friends and family of any food allergies, wear an ID bracelet that contains medical alert information in case of allergic reaction, and carry around an epinephrine auto-injector along with carrying the number of your doctor at all times. By using medications in combination with alternative therapies you can reduce allergy symptoms while living your best life.
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