1. Filter Out Your Allergens
One of the best ways to help relieve allergy symptoms is to invest in an air purifier. Using one can greatly improve the air quality in your home and office by getting rid of airborne allergens like pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander, mite antigens, mold spores, bacteria and more. Experts recommend that you use a free-standing air purifier that has HEPA technology, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air filter. These filters are the top of line when it comes to cleaning the air of allergens. Be sure to avoid an ozone-generating filter as it can irritate the airways.
2. Fight the Dust Mites
Dust mites love you. They live off the flakes of skin your body sloughs off each day. You may not see them, but they cozily live in your bed, on your pillows, blankets, upholstery, carpets and any other fabric-covered belongings. But you shouldn't love dust mites. Their body parts and fecal matter irritate allergies. Even though they dwell in every home, there are ways to reduce the number of dust mites lurking in your midst.
Wash your bedding once a week in hot water, cover your mattress and pillow in allergy-proof casings and wash fabric-covered toys weekly as a way to help decrease the amount of dust mites in your home. You should also monitor the humidity level in your home, keeping it around 30 to 45 percent. You can purchase a hygrometer, which measures air humidity levels, at your nearby home maintenance store.
3. Break Out the Duster
Dust is a major irritant for many people who suffer from allergies. It is imperative that you dust your home and vacuum the blinds and drapery on a weekly basis. Wipe down windowsills and ceiling fans, sweep under furniture and mop floors to keep the dust bunnies at bay while also relieving your allergies. Be sure to wear a face mask while cleaning so you can keep the dust from flying into your face and irritating your allergies.
4. Give Your Sinuses a Hand
Irritated sinuses are the bane of many an allergy sufferers existence. Clogged or runny noses, sinus pressure, headaches and sneezing are just some of the symptoms that plague those with allergies and sinus problems. Luckily, there are some ways you can relive allergy symptoms related to the sinus. Some of effective ways include: running a humidifier, eating spicy foods that can act as a decongestant, drinking water to stay hydrated and taking a steam bath, which can open clogged sinuses. Another way to help relieve your sinuses is to place a moist, hot pack on your sinus area. Research proves that eating chicken soup loosens mucus in the mouth, throat and lungs.
5. Talk to Your Doctor
If you have tried a number of at-home treatments and are at your wits end with persistent allergy symptoms, you should try visiting your doctor. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medicine options that she can offer that can work wonders on allergies. Antihistamines help reduce redness, swelling, itching and runny noses. Other drugs your doctor can suggest to help treat allergies include decongestants, corticosteroids and combination medications. Allergy shots, which work by steadily increasing one's tolerance to allergens, are another option your doctor can prescribe.
