If you suffer through the misery of allergies, you are not alone. About 50 million Americans suffer every year from a runny nose, red and watery eyes, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing that can make life challenging.
Seasonal allergies (sometimes called hay fever) typically occur from March through June, but they can last until October in warmer climates. As allergens go dormant in the fall and winter months, most people experience relief.
Seasonal allergies are typically triggered by common elements that can be found anywhere. Pollen, pet dander, and mold are familiar sources of allergies. When an allergic person comes in contact with them, the immune system creates a virulent response because the body views these elements as harmful. This response triggers the release of histamine, which causes uncomfortable allergy symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose, wheezing, etc.
Here is what you need to know about preventing and treating an allergy attack.
Tips for Daytime Allergy Attack Relief
Seasonal allergies are usually harmless but can make life more challenging and miserable. There are steps you can take to reduce symptoms to get your life back again.
Prevention is one of the essential steps in treating an allergy attack. Reducing the allergens in your home by vacuuming, washing your bedding and clothes, dusting often, and repairing any leaks that could encourage mold growth are key to prevention. If the pollen count is high, keep doors and windows closed. Also, take any medication prescribed by your doctor.
There are also medications to help relieve different allergy attacks. Antihistamines are common over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treat minor allergic reactions, as they block histamine in the body to prevent symptoms. Nasal decongestants are also an OTC medication that can stop a stuffy nose and saline nasal rinses wash out pollen to help improve symptoms.
How to Treat a Nighttime Allergy Attack
Nighttime allergy attacks are quite common. It can be frustrating to lie down to sleep at night only to be awoken by an allergy attack. However, there are steps you can take to prevent them.
Dust and mold tend to build up in bedrooms, making them one of the most allergenic rooms in the house. When the allergens your body has been exposed to all day join with bedroom allergens, an allergy attack can occur. Reduce allergens in your home with dust mite protectors, frequent vacuuming, and air purifiers. Consider removing carpets altogether in your bedroom to avoid the build-up of allergens.
The pollen you encounter during the day lingers on hair, skin, and clothes when you come home at night. Wash your hair, body, and clothes each night, and wear clean pajamas to reduce allergens.
While many people love the comfort of sleeping with their pets, it’s a recipe for an allergy attack. Pet dander is a common allergen, in addition to the skin, sweat, saliva, and urine shed by your pet that can accumulate on your bedding. Find your pet another comfortable location outside your bedroom to rest at night for relief.
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