What to Do for Seasonal Allergies

Today, up to 30% of the population suffers from seasonal allergies, and that number is even higher if you call Arizona home. Allergies tend to be year-round in climates like Arizona because there is not a real winter present to kill the weeds.

Today, allergies are common enough that everyone seems to have something around the calendar that they are allergic to. Some people sneeze when pine pollen is in the air. Some live on antihistamines when the ragweed is in bloom. You may not even know exactly what causes your allergies to resurface in the spring, midsummer, or late fall. The one thing we all know is that seasonal allergies can cause a real interruption in your life. 4 million people a year miss work over allergies. Even if you make it to work, you may be drowsy or distracted with medication.

How can you deal with seasonal allergies without living on antihistamines?

Mind Your Air Quality

Air quality indoors is determined by how well-filtered your air is. The quality and freshness of your air filters can make a big difference in how many allergens exist inside your home or work environment. A cleaner filter with a higher MERV rating provides the best clean air. Clean air has been filtered of potential allergens like pollen and dust.

By improving your air quality with better air filters, additional air purifying devices, and HVAC maintenance, you can experience far reduced allergies when indoors.

Get Allergy Tests to Identify Triggers

Find out what your allergy triggers really are. Allergy tests allow you to identify exactly which allergens cause you to have a reaction and which are harmless in the same season. An allergy test is a small tray that exposes your skin to grid of tiny allergen samples. If your skin reddens or reacts, you have an allergic reaction to the allergen.

There are many possible allergens, so allergy testing often involves a few trays and sometimes two visits. Those who have a strong allergic reaction can come back for another appointment to complete tests.

Take Care to Avoid Triggers

Once you know exactly which plants, chemicals, or microorganisms you are allergic to, you can plan ahead to avoid exposure and protect yourself if exposure to your specific allergy triggers is a risk.
For example, you can stay away from the type of tree or grass you are allergic to. You may need to avoid houses with mold, or your seasonal allergies might actually be related to kicking up dust and dust mites.
Wear gloves when handling allergens or a mask to go outside during the trigger pollen season.

Keep Non-Drowsy Antihistamines Available

Sometimes, exposure to your allergens may be unavoidable. Even with good air filters and allergy testing, you may eventually need a good antihistamine. When that happens, you want the right brand and dose size on-hand instead of dealing with sinuses and watering eyes on an emergency trip to the drug store.
Keep your favorite non-drowsy antihistamine in your bag, desk, or glove compartment to make sure that it’s there when allergies hit despite your best efforts. Having a favorite nighttime antihistamine is not a bad idea, either.

Get Immunotherapy to Stop Allergies

The most effective option for seasonal allergies is immunotherapy. This is an exposure treatment that can acclimate your body to stop reacting to an allergen as a hostile invader.
Immunotherapy treats allergies at the source: an overreaction of your immune system to mostly harmless particles. Through progressive exposure shots, your body can adapt to an allergen and stop producing an allergic response. When you know your specific allergy triggers, it is possible to eliminate those allergies completely with immunotherapy.

You can find complete treatment options for your allergies at Allergy & Immunology Specialists throughout Arizona. Contact us today to learn more about how to get your allergies under control today!