TreatAllergies.com

Antihistamines are the best way to treat hayfever but there are some things that you can do to lessen your exposure to allergens. If you have hayfever, here are some suggestions about changes that you can make to your environment to help you cope with it better.

Indoors

If you have perennial allergic rhinitis, try to reduce your contact with furry or hairy pets. Obviously this may be difficult if that pet is already a loved member of your family but it should be taken into consideration if you think that it is having a detrimental effect on your health. If you do not already own a pet then you should think carefully before you get one if it may trigger your allergies. If possible, furry/hairy pets should be kept out of the house during the hayfever season. If you have pets in the house try to keep them out of carpeted areas and the bedroom. If you do allow your pet outside during this period then wash or bath them regularly when they come indoors in order to remove any lingering pollen from their coats.

Cigarette smoke is a common trigger for allergies because many of the thousands of chemicals in cigarettes can make allergies worse. Avoid public places where there is excessive smoking. If you smoke, give up if you can, and discourage others from smoking in your presence. Smoking irritates the lining of your nose, eyes, throat and airways, aggravating hayfever symptoms.

House dust containing dust mites and animal dander often cause problems. Dust your living environment regularly with a damp cloth and vacuum frequently, especially in the bedroom. Wash all bedding in hot water at least once a week. Use Dacron or foam pillows, rather than ones with other fillings like goose down, and wash them frequently. You can also get special anti-allergy bedding and covers to provide addition protection, especially from dust mites.

Keep freshly cut flowers and flowering pot plants out of the house. If you have other plants indoors, dust them regularly and keep them out of the bedroom.

Regularly wash damp areas of your home to prevent mould growth. This includes the basement, windows, and shower. Having a dehumidifier can help if the allergy is mould related by keeping air clean, cool, and dry.

Keep doors and windows closed. This is especially important during the mid-morning and late afternoon to early evening when the pollen count is usually at its highest. Keeping windows closed at night will also help. If it is windy and you have to open the windows, open the windows on the lee rather than the windward side.

Try to stay indoors during times when the pollen count is high. If you have been out, shower and wash your hair and change your clothes when you return. This will prevent you from carrying pollen and spores around inside the house.

Give your eyes a regular splash with cold water to help flush out any pollen that may have accumulated in them. This will also help to soothe and cool your eyes.

Avoid drying your clothes outside, especially during times when the pollen count is high. Put them in a drier instead. If you have dried your clothes outside, give them a shake before taking them back inside the house to dislodge any pollen or spores that may have become attached to them.

Getting an air conditioner for your house can help by filtering allergens out of the air. If you use a humidifier, the ideal humidity for allergy sufferers is approximately 35% to 50%.

Outdoors

Check the pollen forecast on the TV, online or in the newspaper if you are planning to head outdoors. This will let you know the relative pollen count for where you are. Try to stay inside during times when the pollen count is high. Try to avoid going to parks, gardens or field with lots of grass. If you are going out to the park our gardens then take an antihistamine first.

Try to get someone else to mow your lawn or do the weeding because these activities release a lot of pollen and spores into the atmosphere. If you have to mow the lawn yourself, use a paper ventilation mask to keep out allergens.

Smearing Vaseline inside your nose will help stop pollen and spores from settling on the lining of your nose. It may sound unpleasant but the more that you can keep breathing through your nose, the more it helps filter out unwanted pollen.

Wearing wraparound sunglasses will help prevent pollen from blowing into your eyes while you are outside. Keep the windows of your car closed when travelling. Some cars can actually have pollen filters fitted into them to help in this regard.

Try taking holidays and vacations in pollen-free areas, especially near the beach or sea.