Tips for living with allergy

Allergy strikes in spring and fall

Allergy is a very wide-spread disease these days. More and more people suffer from symptoms such as sneezing, stuffed or running nose, red and itchy eyes, skin irritation, rash or eczema. As some of the most common allergies are the allergy to pollen and to mold, the symptoms worsen during spring and fall. One may say that there is nothing to do about it. Nevertheless, allergy and allergic asthma can be controlled if some simple tips are known and applied.
Tips to reduce allergen exposure and alleviate allergy symptoms

1. Always take your allergy medication during pollen and mold seasons, even before their start. In this way, your body would be prepared not to react violently to allergens in air
2. Try to stay indoors as much as possible, especially around noon, when the exposure is highest. Plan your outdoor things as early in the morning as you can
3. Keep your windows shut as long as possible, thus preventing allergens to penetrate into your home. Open them only early morning, when pollen levels are lower
4. Use air conditioning if possible. This allows you to keep the windows shut during hot days; besides, it decreases air humidity
5. If you have to get out during the daytime, wash yourself thoroughly when you get back home (including your hair) and also wash your clothes, in order to remove the allergens and to minimize their contact with your body
6. Avoid walking in the park, especially during fall, when rainy days and piles of wet leaves lead to more mold growth, causing your allergy symptoms exacerbation
7. Do not hang your clothes outside to dry after washing. This will cause them to get impregnated with pollens from the air
8. If you have pets, don’t allow them in your bedroom after they played outside, as they may carry pollens in their fur
9. Consider buying an air purifier, especially if your doctor recommends it
10. Avoid using humidifiers, as they exacerbate allergy symptoms