For the most part, allergies are not an issue until they are — most people, unless you get allergies all year round, may not even think about this- until they are at the mercy of their allergies. Between pollen in the spring, dust mites in the fall and pet dander year-round, handling allergies can be overwhelming. I understand how much sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion—symptoms that can disrupt your day-to-day life and general well-being—can source of frustration. But don’t worry! In this post I’ll run through useful tips and treatments for allergy management all year round so you can find relief at any time of the year.
What Are Year-Round Allergies?
For a lot of people, year-round allergies are a fact of life, and it’s important to find out what’s setting off your symptoms. Seasonal allergens happen at a certain time in the year and cause seasonal allergies, while year-round allergies are triggered by allergens that are present in homes or environments throughout the whole year. These allergens consist of dust mites, mold, pet dander, and cockroach debris. By knowing what’s setting off your symptoms, you can take steps to minimise your exposure and control your allergy symptoms better.
Common Triggers of Year-Round Allergies
Here are some of the more common triggers for year-round allergies:
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Dust Mites
Dust mites are minuscule insects that flourish in warm and humid conditions. Bed bugs are found in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture.
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Pet Dander
For pet owners, dander (a type of skin tissue) can also provoke allergies. Even if you love your pets, you have issues with sensitive individuals with pet dander.
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Mold
Mold can be found in moist areas — a bathroom, basement, or kitchen. Mold produces spores in humid climates, and those spores can cause allergies.
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Cockroach Particles
Another common allergen is cockroaches, which are prevalent especially in metropolitan environments. Their body fragments, saliva and waste can cause allergic reactions.
Knowing what these triggers are is the first step toward managing your allergies. Once you know what’s triggering your symptoms, you can take steps to reduce exposure.
Tips for Managing Allergies Year-Round
Having identified common triggers, let’s talk practical tips for managing allergies year-round. These are certain strategies that may assist you in lessening your symptoms and making your home a more accommodating place.
Keep your Home Free From Dust And Allergens
Allergies can be managed in many ways, but one of the most in the comfort of your home. Regular cleaning can eliminate dust, pet hairs and other irritants that cause allergies.
- Vacuum often: A vacuum with a special HEPA filter will catch dust and pet hair and allergens. Concentrate on carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, where allergens tend to accumulate.
- Wash bedding regularly: Dust mites are often found in the bed, so washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water regularly can kill any dust mites.
- Use allergen-proof covers: Anticipate using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to keep dust mites and pet dander at bay.
Control Humidity Levels
Humidity is a significant factor in the proliferation of mold and dust mites. Humidity can have a significant impact on allergies, so keeping humidity in your home at the right level is critical.
- Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier helps keep the humidity at the right level, particularly in an area like the basement or bathroom, where mold is more likely to be a problem.
- Patch leaks: Be on top of repairs for leaks in your home’s plumbing or roof to prevent mold from growing.
Consider Allergy-Proofing Your Home
Home-proofing for allergy season can help make your home a little more comfortable, and minimize exposures to allergens. This includes:
- Opt for hard flooring: If you can, replace carpet with hard floors like hardwood, tile and laminate. Allergens can’t get trapped like they do with carpets, for instance.”
- Air purifiers: HEPA air purifiers are meant to trap particulate allergens such as dust, pet dander, and mold spores. Use them in bedrooms, living areas, and other common spaces.
- Clearing clutter: Dust collects on bookshelves, knick-knacks and other surfaces. Decluttering can make cleaning easier and help avoid the buildup of allergens.
Take Allergy Medications
In some instances, allergies need treatment. Such measures can provide symptom relief and make it easier to breathe and feel comfortable. Some common medications to relieve allergies are:
- Antihistamines: These block histamines, which are chemicals in the body that cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching.
- Nasal corticosteroids: These medicines decrease inflammation of the nasal passage and relieve congestion and other symptoms.
- Decongestants: These drugs relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Check with your health care provider to see which allergy medicines are right for you. They can also advise how to use these medications safely and minimize their side effects.”
Practice Allergy-Friendly Habits
Along with these tips, there also some easy lifestyle changes that can help manage allergies more effectively. Another way to reduce your exposure to allergens and improve your quality of life are these habits.
- Shower before bed: When going outside, it’s vital to shower and change your clothes to ensure any pollen or dust on your skin or clothing is washed away.
- Keep windows shut: You can minimize how often pollen and other outdoor allergens enter your home by keeping windows shut during allergy season.
- Avoid smoke and strong odors: Smoke and strong odors can irritate the airways and worsen allergy symptoms. Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, perfumes, and other strong odors.
Treatment Options for Severe Allergies
For others, year-round allergy management may involve more aggressive treatments. If your symptoms are severe, or they don’t respond to over-the-counter medication, here are a few more options to consider:
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
One option is allergy shots, in which small doses of allergens are injected regularly. Eventually, this will allow your body to form a tolerance to these allergies and decrease your reaction to them.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
SLIT involves placing a tablet under your tongue that contains small amounts of allergens. It’s an alternative to allergy shots and can be done at home with a doctor’s supervision.
Prescription Medications
If over-the-counter medications won’t control your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications that are stronger, like leukotriene modifiers or monoclonal antibodies, to help manage allergies.
Managing Allergies Year-Round with Ease
Dealing with allergies throughout the year doesn’t mean you have to cope in constant battle mode. Following the above tips and treatments will limit your exposure to allergens, lessen symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life. Whether that means cleaning your home on a regular basis, using allergy medications or thinking about immunotherapy, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself comfortable year-round. Always speak to your healthcare provider like Absolute Urgent Care for personalized advice and treatment options that work for you. So, take control over your allergies today and breathe freely tomorrow
