If you’re one of the 50 million Americans who has allergies, you are familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms they can cause, including itchy eyes, congestion, runny nose, sneezing and hives. Below we review tips for managing these symptoms, including how to prevent them and how to treat them.
How Can I Prevent Allergy Symptoms?
Follow our tips below to prevent allergy symptoms:
- Keep windows closed in your home and car, especially during peak pollen times (early- to mid-morning).
- Stay indoors during peak pollen times, and plan any outdoor activities, like running at Greer City Park, for the afternoon and evening hours.
- Avoid touching your face when gardening or doing yard work.
- Wear a face mask and goggles when mowing the lawn or blowing leaves, or hire a professional for these jobs.
- Shower and change clothes immediately after spending time outdoors.
- Vacuum and dust your house at least once a week.
- Wash bedding in hot water at least once a week.
- Invest in allergy-proof covers for your bedding.
- Bathe indoor/outdoor pets no more than once a week.
- Try to minimize the number of trinkets that collect dust in your home.
- Throw out expired food right away, as well as any containers that contain moldy food.
- Check for leaks and fix them promptly.
How Can I Treat Allergy Symptoms?
You can treat your allergy symptoms by:
- Using saline rinses. You can use saline eyedrops to treat eye allergies and saline nasal sprays or rinses with a Neti pot to clear nasal and sinus congestion.
- Taking antihistamines. Some of these can be taken daily while others can only be used occasionally. Consult an allergist at Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy before starting an over-the-counter antihistamine.
- Taking corticosteroids. Some of these can be taken daily as a nasal spray to treat allergy symptoms.
- Taking decongestants. Decongestants can only be taken for a day or two at a time. Use as directed.
- Talk to an allergist about immunotherapy. This treatment options works by helping your body build up a tolerance to allergens over time.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert allergist, call Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy today.
