If fall allergies are taking you by surprise, you’re not alone. For many, spring allergies are a bear but fall allergies are a beast. Here in Tennessee, ragweed allergies are at their peak and grass and mold allergens are creeping into the picture as well. If you’re looking for fast fall allergy relief, you’re in the right place.
Certainly, the crisp, clear fall days are a welcome respite from the lingering heat of the summer. If you hang your hat in Nashville, it probably seemed those days would never come. Alas, the sniffles and tickles that accompany peak color are a little less welcome! Don’t let sneezes and wheezes keep you out of the pumpkin patch. Here are 7 great tips for keeping your seasonal allergies in check.
Shower Strategically
One of the most effective ways to minimize the effects of outdoor allergens is to wash the offending pollens and particles off your skin and hair as soon as possible. If you’ve been spending time mowing, raking, and mulching be sure to take a rinse after you’ve hung your rake up for the day. If you’re a morning shower person, you may want to rearrange your schedule and take your daily shower at night. Hitting the hay with a freshly washed body is nothing short of luxurious. Plus, you’ve effectively washed the day’s accumulated allergens down the drain.
Work Clothes are for Working
Just as we recommend showering after a day spent working around the yard, in the garden, or on the tractor, we recommend changing your clothes after you’ve retired for the day. For that matter, be sure to leave your shoes outside and shed your dusty duds in the foyer to minimize the amount of dust and allergens tracked into your home.
Put Your Washing Machine and Dryer to Work
While it’s tempting to hang your laundry out to dry on those postcard perfect October afternoons, line-drying is a no-no. Think of it as an old-school magnet for allergens. For that matter, while you’re at it, gather up those work clothes from the foyer and throw them directly into the washing machine. Prevention is your best defense against an allergy flare-up.
Take an OTC Antihistamine
Don’t feel like you need to “tough it out.” There are plenty of effective over-the-counter antihistamines that begin working within 30 minutes and hit peak efficacy in 1-2 hours. These drugs work by blocking histamines (the irritants that cause all those pesky allergy symptoms) and are most effective when taken consistently, rather than sporadically. You’ll find that taking the medication regularly helps keep your symptoms in check.
That said, however, you may have to experiment to find the antihistamine that works best for you. If you know you suffer from seasonal allergies, we recommend using an OTC antihistamine two to three weeks before the start of allergy season and continue taking them consistently through the first month of the season.
Close Your Windows
We know, we know! The temperature is finally bearable and there’s nothing you want more than fresh air. Unfortunately, every cool breeze brings a host of allergens into your home. Keep those windows closed and your HEPA air purifier running.
Natural and Alternative Treatment For Allergies
There are a plethora of natural, herbal, and alternative remedies for allergies. Many sufferers report finding relief by taking supplements of Vitamin D, stinging nettle, or quercetin; however, there is not enough evidence to prove these claims or the safety of these homeopathic treatments. When it comes to needles, NPR reported that “Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with perennial allergic rhinitis, and may help with seasonal allergies. too, according to several studies. Thus it could be an option for people looking for nonpharmaceutical treatments.”
Call the Doctor (or Your Allergist)
If showers, dryers, antihistamines, and alternative therapies aren’t working for you, it’s time to call the allergy clinic. An allergist will conduct a comprehensive set of tests to determine potential indoor and outdoor allergy triggers. Based on the results of these tests, we’ll design an individualized program of treatment to help you control your allergies.
Contact OAT today at 615-340-4000.
