Tips for Surviving Fall Allergies
Good news for residents in the Texas Golden Triangle region: fall is here and with it we are getting some relief from the notorious Texas summer heat. Unfortunately fall also brings allergy season and for some unlucky allergy suffers the cooler temperatures are hardly any consolation. Fortunately, even extreme allergies can usually be managed with careful lifestyle adjustments and good medical care. Before you give up and sneeze your way to winter consider the following tips for surviving fall allergy season.
Know Your Situation
The first step for finding relief from your allergies is to determine what you’re allergic to. You may be allergic to ragweed and pollen, but it could also be fungi or mold, pet dander, dust, or a combination of these. If you are unsure what is causing your allergies consult a doctor who can perform an allergy test to help diagnose your allergy.
Limit Exposure When Possible
Once you have determined that you are indeed suffering from allergies and also what type of allergies, the next step is to limit exposure as much as possible. For example if a tree, bush, weed, or other plant is primarily to blame, you may want to consider having it removed from your property for when it is in bloom or has a high pollen count.
You can also get daily pollen forecasts the same way you do with weather forecasts, some weather or news forecasts include them. If not consider getting pollen count information online or with a free app on your smartphone. When the pollen count is particularly high you may want to stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure. If you have to be outside for long periods of time for yardwork or other chores, consider wearing an allergy mask.
Allergen Proof Your Home
There are also steps you can take to allergen proof your home. Start by making sure that your windows and doors are well sealed and make sure to use the air conditioning or a fan during allergy season rather than opening a window. Next consider getting HEPA filters for your AC or even a dedicated air purifying machine. Make sure to do your research and be sure that the filter or machine you are getting will help with your allergies. Also be sure to shop around for the best deals and read consumer reviews.
Don’t skimp on house cleaning during allergy season. Vacuum, dust, and scrub surfaces often to remove as many allergens as possible. Don’t forget to wash curtain and drapes, throw pillows, blankets, and other bedding. Carpeting and rugs, attract, trap, and hold more allergens than smooth, non-fabric surfaces, like hardwood, tile, linoleum.
When coming home for the day make sure to take off your shoes and change your clothes so that you are no longer in contact with the allergens you picked up outside. Remember this also applies to other family members and pets. That means it’s important to make sure the whole family is on board for limiting allergy exposure and that it may be necessary to bathe your dog or other inside/outside pet more often than you normally would.
Medication Options
There are also some great medication options for allergy suffers. After discussing a treatment plan with your doctor, you may want to consider one or a combination of the following:
- Over-the-counter antihistamines and allergy medications
- Prescription allergy medications
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Saline-only nasal sprays
- Allergy pump inhalers
- Allergy shots
Different treatment options have different pros and cons including side effects, risks, cost, and of course efficacy. Remember that what works well for one person may not be as effective for another. It is important to discuss your allergy treatment with your doctor so that you can come up with a plan that works best for you. Don’t get discouraged and give up. Keep looking until you find an allergy treatment plan that allows you to have a healthy, high quality life.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center’s goal is always to provide the resources our community needs to stay safe and healthy in the first place. However, when sickness or injuries do strike, Golden Triangle Emergency Center is there 24/7, 365 days a year with gold standard in emergency and industrial care.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.