How to Avoid Allergies and Hay Fever

Spring allergies are in full swing. We identified a few factors that can irritate them. There are quite a number of lesser-known allergy triggers, that, if you learn how to fight them, can help you get through this Spring a lot healthier and happier.

Allergy Triggers To Know | Tips to Try

• Be mindful of fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers markets – they grow closely to trees, plants and weeds which carry the most pollen
• Avoid Alcohol
• Minimize the use of hair products
• Thunderstorms and humidity exaggerate allergies
• Avoid ceiling fans – the dust creates an environment primed for allergies
• Take a shower in the evening – this cleans the pollen that was attracted all day from being outside
• Pets – If you own a pet, make sure they are well-bathed. Allergens cling to their fur which can exaggerate the environment inside.
• Over watered house plants can increase mold and mildew which creates more allergens in the air
• Stress – This increases your cortisol levels, which weakens the immune system and makes allergies worse
• Change your clothes when you come inside
• Close the windows
• Get a check-up with your doctor to see if you have allergies
• For severe allergies, look into injections you can get prior to each season
• Coming in from outside, take a shower to wash all the pollen and other allergens off
• Stay inside midday and during the afternoon, when pollen counts are highest.
• Wash clothing and bedding frequently to prevent allergens from sticking around.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance – such as pollen, mold or pet dander. When our bodies come into contact with allergens, our immune system’s antibodies work to identify what is causing those pesky symptoms like watery, itchy eyes; sneezing, sniffling, wheezing and rashes.

Symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Dark circles under the eyes