How To Deal With Allergies Year-Round

It's difficult to put your best foot forward when you're struggling with bothersome allergies. If you have allergic rhinitis, you're probably dealing with excessive sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, a cough, a runny or itchy nose, and nasal congestion.

Both seasonal allergies and perennial allergies (which occur year-round) are types of allergic rhinitis. Your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals as a response to the invader (allergen). Part of the allergic reaction is an inflammatory response that releases chemical mediators, like histamine, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing or sneezing.

You can learn how to deal with allergies and their symptoms, but first, it's important to identify the key differences between perennial allergies and seasonal allergies.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies and Perennial Allergies

Someone who has seasonal allergies tends to be triggered by the changes in season and what's growing outside. They'll likely experience allergy symptoms during specific times of year. These will fade as that season ends.

An individual who experiences perennial allergies might notice symptoms all year long or throughout the year, depending on what they're being exposed to. If you have perennial allergies, you're likely allergic to dust mites, pet dander and/or mold spores.

Common spring allergy triggers, including pollen and mold spores, make their appearance in some parts of the country as early as February. Many spring allergies tend to be due to tree pollen (oak, elm, birch or maple trees), weeds and grass, and they can be staggered throughout the late winter, spring and summer.

It's best to work with a healthcare professional to identify your allergy triggers. This way, you can get a tailored treatment plan and adjust your lifestyle to accommodate those problem areas.

Create an Allergy-Friendly Home

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or perennial allergies, there are ways to improve your environment and reduce your exposure to triggers.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, focus on areas in your home where allergens collect and reduce the amount of outdoor elements that can work their way into your home.

If you're a perennial allergy sufferer, focus on areas of the home that will make the most difference in your triggers — whether that's moisture, pet dander or accumulation of dust.

Reduce the amount of allergens in your home with these upkeep and cleaning tips:
 

· Remove carpets and rugs from bedrooms as pet dander and dust mites can collect there.
 

· Avoid opening the windows in your bedroom. Run the air conditioner when needed.
 

· Clean out closets and get rid of old and dust-covered items.
 

· Maintain a regular cleaning routine: Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites and remove pet dander and pollen.
 

· Vacuum and sweep or mop often, particularly during the time of year when your seasonal allergies are kicking in.
 

· Run the fan in your bathroom after a shower for a few minutes. This helps prevent the growth of mold.
 

· Wash drapes and any fabric that could accumulate dust mites, pet dander and allergy triggers.
 

· Remove shoes and outdoor clothing at the door. Change into indoor shoes and remove clothing that was exposed to pollen.
 

· Clean your kitchen and wipe down the counters. Look for areas prone to mold, like under the sink, and ensure there aren't leaks.
 

Additional considerations:
 

· Use an air purifier to help improve indoor air quality. Make sure you're changing the filters consistently.
 

· Turn on a dehumidifier if mold spores are an issue. In many homes, that's often the basement area.
 

· Consider buying allergen-resistant bedding, like mattress covers, as well as furniture covers.
 

· Remove pets from the bedroom because their dander can exasperate allergy symptoms. Keep them off the couch, too.
 

Effective Medication Management Tips To Treat Allergies

Allergy symptoms are harder to stop once they've started, so being proactive with your allergy treatment is paramount. Make an appointment with your allergist or general practitioner before your allergy season starts and stock up on recommended over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescriptions so you're prepared to treat allergies.
 

Some OTC medications that help treat allergy symptoms include:
 

1. Corticosteroids. These are offered as nasal sprays (like Flonase) and take a few weeks to fully kick in. That means you need to pick up the medication before the season begins in order for it to be the most effective. They suppress inflammation and prevent and relieve stuffiness, sneezing and runny nose symptoms.
 

2. Antihistamines. These come in various forms — including capsules (such as Allegra), nasal sprays, eye drops, liquids and tablets — and work best when taken before the onset of allergy symptoms. These allergy medications suppress the histamine that leads to your symptoms.
 

3. Decongestants. These tend to provide quick relief and are in the form of oral decongestants (like Sudafed PE), nasal sprays or drops. They're good for relieving nasal congestion and sinus congestion.
 

Follow your doctor's advice when it comes to these medications, discuss all possible side effects and disclose other medications you may be taking. Some allergy medications are formulated for people with specific health-related problems, like high blood pressure, so be sure to speak with your physician. Take the medications as directed.

Try Lifestyle Adjustments for Allergy Management
 

If you have allergy triggers, be prepared for various weather conditions and situational circumstances that might affect you. Consider keeping allergy medication with you at all times during your allergy seasons or throughout the year if you have perennial allergies. Try lifestyle changes like the following:
 

1. Protect yourself. Take appropriate medication before engaging in all outdoor activities, and consider wearing a mask if needed.
 

2. Scan the news and weather sites. If you experience outdoor allergies, you need to pay close attention to weather forecasts and allergy reports, particularly if you work outside or exercise outdoors. Try to stay indoors on days when the pollen count is high or during the times of day when it's highest — typically in the morning.

3. Create an allergy day action plan. Plan how you'll adjust your day and deal with the circumstances if it looks like you're facing a high pollen count. Keep medications on hand so your treatment options are readily available.

4. Plan ahead for travel. If you're traveling, check out the potential pollen triggers in the area for that time of year. Bring your allergy medication as well as your doctor's contact information should you need to get in touch with them. You might want to pack a mask to wear in case you're immediately exposed to triggers and need a buffer.
 

Explore the Relationship Between Allergies and Your Diet

Watching what you eat and drink could go a long way to reduce allergy symptoms.

1. Try an anti-inflammatory diet. A whole foods diet that's designed to help fight inflammation may help with allergy management. Choose fresh, whole and minimally processed plant-based and fermented foods. Supplement with moderate amounts of nuts. Foods and supplements rich in omega-3 can benefit the immune system.

2. Optimize hydration. Drink plenty of water to help your body stay healthy and function well during allergy season and throughout the year. This assists your inflammatory response and helps flush toxins from the body.

3. Hire a nutrition expert. Search for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who has a background in anti-inflammatory diets or someone who regularly treats clients with allergies.

Stay Ahead of Allergy Triggers To Feel Better

Anyone who's experienced a non-life-threatening allergy attack knows how much it can interfere with their life. It's hard to show up and be present when you're experiencing allergy symptoms like brain fog, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, congestion, coughing and a sore throat.

When it comes to how to deal with allergies, it's best to get ahead of the game. Follow the steps above on how to reduce allergen exposure inside and outside your home, and consider the lifestyle changes, and soon, you'll have set yourself up to better manage and treat allergies.

These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.