—without drugs or shots!
50 million Americans suffer from allergies.
You may know the routine. It starts with that pesky itch—in your eyes, ears—down the back of your throat. Then before you can reach for that last package of antihistamines, you feel the tingle in your nose. No matter what else you had planned for your day, you know you are going to spend it sneezing, rubbing and wishing it would all just go away.
They are called "seasonal allergies." But don't let the name fool you. An all-out assault can happen any time—not just in the spring and summer. Because of the unusually warm winters during recent years, there has been a virtual explosion of ragweed and other pollen-producing plants all over the United States. Allergists are reporting that more and more people who have never had allergies before are heading to their doctors for relief.
If you are one of the unlucky ones who suffers from allergies, prevention should be your top priority. Once allergies start, it's difficult to relieve symptoms. Often over-the-counter and prescription drugs come with side effects—and provide little help in the face of an all-out allergy onslaught. Here are some ideas to stop allergies—before they start.
 1. Hope for rain—lots of it.
A good downpour washes pollen out of the air. That's why the best time to head for the great outdoors is after a heavy rain. But you may have already noticed that rain doesn't always make your allergies better. That's because a light rain can actually break up clusters of pollen, making them stay airborne longer. For those with spring allergies, light rains can actually make the problem worse.
2. Minimize mold.
Allergies to mold spores are common, especially during the rainy season. Use a dehumidifier in basements and other damp areas to keep mold at bay. Exhaust fans in the bathroom can also evaporate moisture. Wiping window sills with a mild solution of bleach and water can prevent mold from growing. Wash bath towels and shower curtains often. Finally watch out for those houseplants—mold thrives in well-watered potting soil.
3. Don't carry your problem with you.
Microscopic pollens and spores can hitch a ride on your clothes, hair—even on your skin. Even facial hair can trap these pests and make you miserable all day. Frequent hand-washing and showers can help reduce the amount of pollen you carry around. A fresh change of clothes can make a difference, too.
4. Armor for your eyes.
Glasses and sunglasses can be an effective barrier against pollens and spores that cause itchy, watery eyes. Wrap-around and goggle-like glasses are best, because they protect the most eye area from irritants passing in the air. And remember, don't rub your eyes! That can actually cause your body to release histamines, making your eyes itch and swell even more. Instead of rubbing them, try using cold compresses.
 5. Watch that wind!
Air currents that toss spores and pollens around are worst during the middle of the day. Try to schedule gardening, walks and other activities before 9 a.m. or around sunset. On windy days, you might just want to exercise indoors.
6. Your home is your fortress.
Staying inside when pollen counts are high won't help unless you take steps to reduce the air pollution in your home. An air conditioner, especially when combined with a High-Efficiency Particulate Aire (HEPA) filter, can virtually allergy-proof your home.
Remember to clean your filter frequently and keep windows and doors closed. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum when you dust, so particles don't get flushed back in the air for you to breathe.
7. Roll up those windows.
The worst thing you can do for your allergies is to drive with the windows open and your fan on "high." When you do, you are putting yourself in a virtual pollen tornado without even realizing it. Drive with your windows up and the air conditioning on. This will help filter the air and prevent more pollen and mold from coming in the car. If you don't have air conditioning, open the windows as little as possible.
8. Give nature's weapons a try.
Several natural remedies can relieve and prevent allergy attacks. Freeze-dried stinging nettles counteract sniffling and sneezing. In large enough quantities garlic and onions can reduce itching and swelling in the eyes and nasal tissues. Sixty to 240 milligram daily doses of Gingko biloba extract can actually prevent allergies. And don't forget to take your Vitamin C! Found in tablet supplements, in citrus fruits and some vegetables, it's a natural antihistamine.
 9. Get the facts—know the risks.
Studies have shown that air pollution makes allergies worse. Although no one is quite sure why this is true, it just makes sense to stay indoors on smoggy days. It also pays to watch your local pollen counts. You can most often obtain those numbers through your local paper, television news or by searching the Internet.
|
