Combatting irritating allergy symptoms





For the more than 50 million people in the U.S. who suffer from allergies, there’s good news. That’s because there may be a number of helpful steps one can take to help manage the symptoms.

Symptoms and causes Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery, red eyes. These symptoms can be triggered by a number of stimuli, such as:

•Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

•Dust that contains dust mites, pollen, mold and animal dander as well as irritants.

•Furry animals, such as cats, dogs, rabbits and other pets.

•Fungi, including molds too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Managing the symptoms

•Exercise indoors whenever possible or find a place that’s somewhat removed from trees, bushes or blossoming plants.

Many avoid exercising outdoors in the early morning between 5 and 10 a.m., since that’s the time when pollen is usually emitted.

•For those who are going outside, whether for a jog, running errands or attending a function such as a wedding or baseball game, make sure to change outfits when coming home and launder the items worn outdoors as soon as possible to limit exposure to allergens in the home.

Also wash hands and rinse eyes in cold water to clear residual pollen.

•Consider making a few adjustments at home to limit exposure to allergens. Consider using mattress and pillow covers that create a barrier from irritating dust-mite allergens that usually hide in mattresses and pillows.

Also, allergens can linger in carpets and rugs, so it’s wise to vacuum frequently.

Dr. Beth E. Corn, chief of the Allergy/Asthma Clinic at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, advises asking a physician if he or she recommends using longacting, overthecounter antihistamine medications.

Allergy sufferers should take medications at least one hour before heading outdoors, but for fast soothing relief of an allergyrelated cough and sore throat, they might consider using a cough drop.

This article provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *