Allergies Support Group
When the immune system responds to a foreign substance in an abnormal way, it is classified as an allergy. When the body first contacts the substance, it will not cause any reactions, but the immune system will start to produce antibodies to it and subsequent contact will trigger more dramatic responses. Depending on the allergy, the response could be mild or very severe...
Here's a few things I have noticed do have a positive impact on my allergies.
1. Start allergy meds at least 2 weeks before the time you usually get your symptoms. Building them up in your system keeps the reaction in check.
2. Use the AC in your car and home. It's tempting to let fresh air in but all you are doing is letting in the pollen. An open window at night is not worth the sinus swelling and pain in the morning. If you have a heat pump unit, run it on fan constantly. It will act as a giant air filter (check your filter often and replace.)
3. Avoid dry windy days for outdoor activities. If you have to go out, wait until the afternoon if possible.
4. Don't let pets back in house without wiping them down with a damp cloth. They are great pollen carriers.
5. Avoid air fresheners. You don't want the chemicals in these this in your lungs. I am an environmental engineer and did some small studies on these things. Some of the chemicals in them are know carcinogens but in very low levels to get past EPA. I find many air fresheners irritating. Instead, bake bread, dehydrate apples or other fruit, or cook a favorite aromatic dish to have your house smell great.
6. Stay hydrated. Just like with a cold, if you get dehydrated, the mucus with get thicker and stick in your sinus more- more congestion.
7. Landscape with native species for your area, especially if you grew up there. Your chances of developing an allergy to a species you were never exposed to before are greater. My story is telling. I did not have any problems with spring allergies until the non-fruit bearing pear trees where planted in my area. First year they bloomed, I got terrible allergic reaction to them (remember they mess with the protein in the pollen to make them sterile- may also make the pollen more airborne than most flowering trees). Since then, I cannot go from late March to the middle of June without intense treatment for my allergies. It has lead to me developing asthma the reaction was so bad. So if you live in a rural area where you have more control of your landscaping, go native.
1. Start allergy meds at least 2 weeks before the time you usually get your symptoms. Building them up in your system keeps the reaction in check.
2. Use the AC in your car and home. It's tempting to let fresh air in but all you are doing is letting in the pollen. An open window at night is not worth the sinus swelling and pain in the morning. If you have a heat pump unit, run it on fan constantly. It will act as a giant air filter (check your filter often and replace.)
3. Avoid dry windy days for outdoor activities. If you have to go out, wait until the afternoon if possible.
4. Don't let pets back in house without wiping them down with a damp cloth. They are great pollen carriers.
5. Avoid air fresheners. You don't want the chemicals in these this in your lungs. I am an environmental engineer and did some small studies on these things. Some of the chemicals in them are know carcinogens but in very low levels to get past EPA. I find many air fresheners irritating. Instead, bake bread, dehydrate apples or other fruit, or cook a favorite aromatic dish to have your house smell great.
6. Stay hydrated. Just like with a cold, if you get dehydrated, the mucus with get thicker and stick in your sinus more- more congestion.
7. Landscape with native species for your area, especially if you grew up there. Your chances of developing an allergy to a species you were never exposed to before are greater. My story is telling. I did not have any problems with spring allergies until the non-fruit bearing pear trees where planted in my area. First year they bloomed, I got terrible allergic reaction to them (remember they mess with the protein in the pollen to make them sterile- may also make the pollen more airborne than most flowering trees). Since then, I cannot go from late March to the middle of June without intense treatment for my allergies. It has lead to me developing asthma the reaction was so bad. So if you live in a rural area where you have more control of your landscaping, go native.
I wanted to share something I've recently started using an all natural cleaner called Airbiotics that's fragrance free, all natural, and has probiotics in it to fight against indoor allergens. It's really helped me breathe better and not be so susceptible to allergies! Check out their website :)