Allergies can make a person miserable. If you have allergies, your eyes get itchy and watery, your nose gets runny and stuffy, you sneeze often, and it can be difficult to breathe. The best way to avoid allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergen altogether. There are several common allergy triggers that can make a person miserable.
#1 Pollen
Pollen is one of the most common allergens. When a person has a reaction from the pollen, they call it “hay fever.” Pollen comes from many different plants, and there are some days where pollen can be worse than others.
While there are times that you cannot avoid the pollen, there are a few things that you can do to prevent a serious reaction.
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is high
- Close the windows and use an air conditioner when the pollen count is high
- Don’t hang your clothes outside to dry when pollen counts are high
There are a few different treatments if you are suffering from hay fever. Some of these treatments include:
- Nasal spray
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Allergy tablets
- Allergy shots
#2 Dust Mites
Dust mites live in dust, and they are so small that unless you look at the dust under a microscope, you won’t see them. The symptoms that you get from an allergy to dust mites are similar to that of pollen, however, you need to worry about the allergen all year long.
To treat the symptoms of a dust mite allergy, you should:
- Use nasal spray
- Take an antihistamine
- Take a decongestant
To prevent the symptoms of dust mite allergies, you should do the following:
- Use hypoallergenic pillows
- Put dust mite covers over mattresses and box springs
- Wash your sheet every week in hot water
- Try to keep the home dust free
#3 Animal Dander
Animal dander is a very common allergy. Not only can you be allergic to the animal’s fur, you can also be allergic to the oil in their glands and their saliva. When you are allergic to animal dander, you could find yourself sneezing, congested, and the dander can cause itchy watery eyes.
To treat the allergy symptoms, you should:
- Take an allergy pill
- Get allergy shots
- Use an antihistamine
In order to avoid the symptoms of being allergic to an animal, you should do the following:
- If possible, avoid the animal that you are allergic to. If you want a dog, there are dogs with hypoallergenic hair that you can adopt.
- Wash your pet once a week
- Don’t allow your pet to sleep on your bed
#4 Food Allergies
Many people have a food allergy. Some have mild reactions, while other people have severe reactions. Some of the reactions include, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in the mouth. Some foods include milk, fish and shellfish, nuts, and eggs.
If you are allergic to any type of food, you should always have a shot containing epinephrine with you at all times. It could save your life.
#5 Mold
Mold are tiny spores that can float through the air. Mold thrives in dark, damp areas. They symptoms of a mold allergy are much like the symptoms of a pollen or dust mite allergy, and the treatment is the same as well.
The best way to avoid a mold allergy is to repair water damage in the home and wear a mask when working near damp areas, including when you rake the yard. When you get rid of the source of the mold, not only will your feel better but you will be protecting the structure of your home.