The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that 50 million Americans suffer from allergies to pollens, which include weeds and grasses. Allergies are a chronic disease for which there is no known cure. It's impossible to protect yourself totally from the effects of pollen-based allergens, but there are things you can do to reduce the effects and make your life more pleasant. Getting tested to become familiar with exactly what pollens you are allergic to, reducing your exposure to known stimulants and taking medications and supplements to build your immune system will help to improve your reaction to pollen allergies.
Step 1
Get allergy tested by a doctor or holistic practitioner who specializes in this area. There are a variety of tests available from patch to blood tests. Know which pollens are causing your specific problems.
Step 2
Stay in the house or indoors during pollen season, which is usually at its peak in spring and early summer. Plan to exercise indoors as well to protect yourself, suggests allergyescape.com.
Step 3
Keep the windows closed in your house and car and use air conditioning to avoid overexposure to airborne pollen. Wash the car frequently during pollen season to remove excess pollen from around air vents.
Step 4
Install a HEPA filter on your furnace to purify the air circulating throughout your house. Add a humidifier to moisten the air, which helps to keep nasal passages from drying out and becoming susceptible to allergens.
Step 5
Buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter and clean the house frequently to remove pollen that sneaks in. Wear a mask while you empty the bag to protect yourself from pollen that may escape.
Step 6
Bathe pets who go outside to remove pollen from their fur. Keep pets out of the bedroom, creating a safe room for yourself.
Step 7
Remove large plants and vegetation from your yard, mow the lawn frequently and pull weeds before they have a chance to propagate, suggests allergyescape.com.
Step 8
Replace drapes with window blinds and remove carpets if your allergies don't respond to lesser methods. Have your drapes cleaned often and keep floors swept and washed to remove all pollen.
Step 9
Use antihistamines or alternative treatments such as herbs, homeopathic remedies or acupuncture to treat allergies and strengthen your immune system.
Tips and Warnings
- If all else fails and you can't get the kind of relief you need from these suggestions, see your health care provider about getting allergy shots to desensitize you from allergens.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- HEPA filters
- HEPA vacuum
- Humidifier
