By Ian Wahl, Clinical Director, St. Louis Allergy Relief Center
We thrill at the blooming colors of spring and the warmth of summer. But we’re not so thrilled with the seasonal allergies that follow. Seasonal allergies are common and there is no cure. However, specific prevention strategies can help ease discomfort and control the symptoms. Allergy-prone people need to understand what causes their allergies, what supplements could be taken instead of drugs, and how controlling their surrounding environment can reduce their symptoms.
This summer, many seasonal allergy sufferers worry that their symptoms, which may be similar to COVID-19, are signals of a more deadly disease. This article is only about managing your seasonal allergies to relieve your allergy symptoms. However, you can read Seasonal Allergy vs. Covid-19 Symptoms at https://stlouisallergyrelief.com/allergy-symptoms-vs-covid-19-symptoms/.
1. Key strategies to help you prevent seasonal allergiesLimit your time outdoors – Allergists love to say the only sure way to manage seasonal allergies is to stay indoors when the pollen count has increased beyond normal levels. Pollen is usually at its peak from 5 am until 10 am and then again at dusk. Staying inside, especially on windy days and during early morning or early evening hours, will help reduce allergic triggers.
2. Over the counter medications – Most Americans automatically turn to over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications in the hope they will find relief. All medications have some side effects. The most common side effect of nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants is a condition called medicamentosis or chemical rhinitis. Those are fancy words for the rebound effect that can accompany nasal and sinus drugs. All sinus medications can cause persistent nasal and sinus symptoms when you try to stop taking them. In other words, your body can react as if it were addicted to those drugs. If you experience this, contact a holistic allergist for safer, effective, and longer-lasting relief.
3. Nutrients for your nose – Most people are not aware that there are foods and supplements available to help you cope with seasonal allergies, so you don’t have to resort to prescription and OTC medications.
- Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine.
- Vitamin A, Selenium, Zinc, and Vitamin E all help protect your mucus membranes from the damaging effects of air pollution and pollen.
- Quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory supplement used extensively around the world to fight allergies.
Learn about foods that help alleviate allergy symptoms at https://stlouisallergyrelief.com/ anti-allergenic-foods/.
Learn about foods that can make allergies worse at https://stlouisallergyrelief.com/foods-that-trigger-severe-food-allergies/.
4. Clean your home and declutter – A clean house can reduce seasonal allergies. Simple changes can help you deal with your allergy symptoms.
- Close windows to keep out pollen.
- Use air conditioning, not a window fan which attracts pollen.
- Remove shoes before entering the house to prevent tracking in allergens.
- acuum carpeting and fabric furniture often.
- Replace air conditioner filters often.Dust bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen particles are prone to settle.
- Avoid hanging clothes outside so they don’t collect pollen.
- Clutter collects dust as well as the pollen that enters your house whenever a door is open.
5. Extra prevention steps to follow:
- Avoid smoking and being around others who smoke. Smoking worsens allergy symptoms.
- Use HEPA air purifiers.
- Severe seasonal sufferers, shower before bedtime to remove the pollen you’ve attracted throughout the day. Don’t carry pollen to bed and wake up sneezing.
- Watch your local pollen count.
- Increase your water intake. This will help thin out mucus, helping you breathe easier.
- Keep your face away from pets as pollen easily clings to animal fur. Give your doggie extra baths.
- Drive with your windows up. That cool breezy refreshing air is loaded with allergens.
6. See a holistic allergist who specializes in Advanced Allergy Therapeutics.
Holistic allergists use non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical methods. Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) is a proven holistic therapy that does not involve shots, drugs, supplements, or avoidance. It is painless, safe, effective, and gentle enough for infants and seniors.
Seasonal allergies are discomforting and sometimes downright debilitating when you are miserable with runny noses, itchy eyes, constant sneezes, and sinus congestion. Although no one can completely avoid seasonal allergens, you can find relief if you are vigilant. The sooner you start adopting necessary prevention strategies, the sooner you will be able to reduce your symptoms. Take the right precautions and follow the proper treatment from a holistic allergist if you wish to enjoy your summer outdoors instead of cooped up inside.
Ian Wahl is the founder and clinical director of St Louis Allergy Relief Center a holistic allergy clinic located in Chesterfield, MO. For more information go to www.stlouisallergyrelief.com or call 314-384-9304.