With spring in full force, misery has begun for allergy sufferers. Many people don’t take the right precautions early enough to treat the symptoms. This leaves them feelings miserable when allergies finally hit. So, what can you do to prepare for allergy season? And, if you have waited too long to get treatment, how can you cope once symptoms start? Sounds like it’s time to go to an allergy doctor New York, in the meantime…here are some of our best tips to help you get relief.
Start Taking Allergy Medications Before Allergies Hit
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recently conducted research and found that half of parents that have children with allergies did not know that prescriptions were available to help their child cope with symptoms. Less than half of adults surveyed saw a doctor before allergy season began. Not visiting your doctor for advice and treatment until after you have symptoms can leave you feeling miserable. Once allergies are triggered, it is more difficult to treat them. Allergy season can begin as early as February in some areas. So, if you don’t want to have to deal with a runny nose, stuffiness and itchy eyes, visit your allergy doctor New York for treatment before the season begins to take steps to keep allergies from even activating your immune system.
Shut Out Pollen
Although it can be tempting to open your windows wide when the weather turns nicer, resist the urge to do so if you suffer from allergies. Keep windows and doors closed to minimize pollen inside your home. If you really want to experience the fresh spring air, then visit your allergy doctor New York before the allergy season begins to start taking antihistamines to prevent allergy flare-ups. Also, make sure that you focus on cleaning in areas where pollen and other allergens tend to accumulate, such as in your bedding, air filters and carpeting.
Track Allergen Levels
Most weather websites have local pollen maps. During allergy season, track pollen levels daily. If you notice high pollen levels, plan to do mowing and other outdoor activities on another day. Or, if you have to be outside when the pollen counts are very high, prepare in advance by asking your allergy doctor New York if their additional treatments that you can use during this time to combat your allergies.
Try Foods That Fight Allergies
Although foods can’t replace antihistamines and other allergy medications, they can be a helpful adjunct to treatments. Many foods have allergy-fighting properties and help ward off allergies during hay fever season. Here are the best allergy fighting foods for your diet:
- Horseradish and other strong spices-They help clear the sinuses
- Fruits rich in vitamin C
- Bioflavonoids-Onions are one of the best bioflavonoids for allergy relief
- Foods rich in magnesium, such as almonds
Although allergy season is in full swing, these allergy tips can help you fight seasonal allergies all season long.