How To Cope With Allergies

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Dealing with allergies is always challenging. They seem to pop up from nowhere and no matter what you try to do, they just won’t go away.

So, what can you do to cope if you have allergies, asthma, hives or another condition that keeps coming back? Let’s take a look. 
 

Figure Out What’s Causing Your Allergy

The first step is to go to an allergist and figure out what’s causing your allergies. Professionals can conduct various panel tests to figure out what might be going wrong and causing all your problems.

Once you know your triggers, you can then start doing something about them. Some are completely avoidable while others require monitoring and management. 

Most allergy tests require taking a blood sample and then seeing whether any common allergens react with it. Labs will also look to see if you have any markers that might suggest an allergen issue. 

Monitor Pollen And Mold

If you don’t know what’s causing your allergies, it is still a good idea to monitor pollen and mold counts in the air in your home. These days, you can get advanced devices that do this for you so you’re not having to guess.

Pay close attention to whether your allergies get worse on high-pollen days. These can be an indication that something’s wrong and that you need to make a change to your environment or take antihistamines.

Improve Your Immune System

You might also be able to cope better with allergens by improving your immune system. Giving your body a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with fatty acids, can improve how it functions. 

Immune systems can sometimes go a bit wrong if you don’t supply them with the proper food. Often, they can wind up attacking particles that are highly unlikely to cause you harm. Therefore, look for ways to boost the quality of your diet for a few months and see whether it makes a difference to your symptoms.

Manage Food Allergies

You should also be on the lookout for food allergies. Fortunately, these are the easiest to control once identified, since you can remove problem foods from your diet permanently.

Peanut allergies are the most famous for the extreme reactions they can provoke in some people. However, there are plenty of other allergy-causing foods out there that lead to annoying symptoms you’d prefer to avoid.

Some of the most common culprits are mustard, celery and wheat, but there are many others, so it is always worth getting a full panel. If you can remove these, it can have a significant positive effect in a short space of time and prevent allergic symptoms from returning. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure that none of your allergens are on the ingredients list for the products you buy. 

Avoid Outdoor Allergens

Avoiding outdoor allergens is another way to cope, but it can be impractical. The best solution is to keep windows closed and use air purification systems that remove pollen and other particles that could cause irritation. 

Take Medications

Taking medications is another way to deal with allergens. These days, there are plenty of options like loratadine and nasal corticosteroids. Many of these are available over-the-counter, meaning you don’t need to go to a doctor’s office to get a prescription. 

If you notice the symptoms won’t go away with medical help, talk to a medical doctor. They can tell you what you should do next or perhaps recommend more potent drug combinations.

Use Nasal Irrigation

Another strategy is to use nasal irrigation. Many people find this practice helpful for relieving symptoms and removing stubborn mucus. 

Nasal irrigation devices are squeezy bottles you fill with water to rinse the nose and nasal cavity. Usually, they come with little salt sachets mixed with bicarbonate to provide a better pH environment and more rinsing action. 

Nasal irrigation works because it can remove irritants, like pollen, from the lining of the nostrils (called the vestibules). Getting rid of this may reduce symptoms for a while and make you feel better.

Clean Your Home

If you’re not sure what’s causing your allergy symptoms, it’s a good idea to clean your home. Sweeping, brushing, and vacuuming all remove particles from the environment. 

If you’re highly sensitive, always wear a mask for jobs like this. Breathing in a lot of dust particles at the same time could trigger an unwanted reaction. If you can use static cleaning methods that cling to dust and prevent it from going airborne, that’s even better.

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