There’s no denying that allergies can be difficult to deal with. Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening depending on the severity of your allergy, and some triggers can be tricky to avoid on a day-to-day basis. Though some people only experience allergic reactions in certain circumstances, many people suffer from both indoor and outdoor allergies. That means you’ll need a symptom management strategy that encompasses your home’s interior and exterior. If you don’t know where to start, keep reading for some great hacks for allergy sufferers.
How can you treat outdoor allergies?
Outdoor allergies can make it difficult to enjoy even the most basic activities sometimes. No one wants to start experiencing juniper pollen allergy symptoms in the middle of an afternoon hike with their family. “Cedar fever” is a good example of how serious the effects of certain allergies can be. While the allergic reaction to cedar or juniper itself won’t cause fever, there is a risk of a subsequent sinus infection resulting in a fever. Cedar fever season is at its peak during December and January when the pollen can be carried for miles by prevailing winds.
Understanding what types of pollen trigger an allergic reaction for you can help you identify what times of day your symptoms are likely to be the worst. Ragweed counts usually peak in early midday, whereas grass pollen can be more of an irritant in the late afternoon and early evening. Residents in urban areas should keep in mind that winds can bring pollen from the suburbs into the denser areas, which will be an issue primarily in the middle of the day.
Treatment options for outdoor allergies have improved significantly in recent years. If you want a more permanent solution for your problem than over-the-counter pills and carrying around a lot of tissues, you should talk to your healthcare provider. There are prescription allergy shots, drops, and even targeted immunotherapy treatments that can help reduce your allergy symptoms on both a short- and long-term basis.
What can you do to reduce the presence of allergens indoors?
Air purifiers with a portable HEPA filter can make a big difference. They’re most effective when placed in rooms where you spend a lot of time like your kitchen, living room, and bedroom. You should also make sure that you get a purifier that is powerful enough for the room you place it in. You can usually find information about how many square feet an air purifier is designed for in the product description or on the packaging.
There are also several simple lifestyle adjustments that can reduce the presence of indoor allergens. Cleaning more often can help get rid of pet dander and dust, which can be triggers for many allergy sufferers. You should also wash area rugs and long drapes regularly, as they have a tendency to trap allergens. If you live in an area where the outdoor air is clean and safe to breathe, open up your windows more often. It’s always a good idea to let fresh air in, though you should avoid doing so during times of the day where the pollen count can be particularly high.
It isn’t easy to manage allergy symptoms, especially if you have both indoor and outdoor allergies. There are often ways to minimize the amount of pollen you encounter outside, but many people want a more comprehensive solution than that. Talk to your doctor to see whether or not allergy shots, prescription drops, or immunotherapy may be able to provide a solution for you. It’s worth finding a treatment or combination of treatments that control your allergies effectively, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
