Allergies are never fun. And staying locked up inside the house to avoid summer allergies is not a popular option. So what can we do to ease the allergies in the hottest season of the year? A lot of times we are told to see our doctors and take antihistamines to avoid allergic reactions, but here are some other ways to alleviate your symptoms.
1. Clean your house
Your house could contains pillows, carpets, and other warm places where allergens thrive. Indoor air pollution can be up to ten times worse than outdoor air pollution, which is why it’s so important to clean areas such as your bedding, carpets, and damp areas regularly. You will most likely see a change in your allergy symptoms if you make the effort to clean these areas, and keep them dry, which will improve your overall health.
2. Lose Those Extra Pounds
If you are carrying around extra weight it makes it harder for you to breathe, which makes allergy symptoms significantly worse. Losing weight will allow you to get oxygen easier and help you take deep breaths. Extra fat around your abdomen can often prevent your lungs from expanding fully, and your diaphragm from moving down. Incorporating some type of exercise four times a week will help you manage your weight as well as improve your cardiovascular fitness. Managing your weight will help ease your breathing when you suffer from allergies.
3. Reduce Stress
We are all faced with various stressors everyday whether it is at work, in relationships, or when we are stuck in traffic jam. If we don’t manage our stress, it can damage our immune system. Having a weakened immune system increases our chances of allergic reactions. Knowing how to cope with stress can protect your immune system and lessen your chances of allergic reactions. Some ways to try to manage your stress can include meditation, exercise, writing in a journal, talking to a friend and/or family member, or simply ‘walking it off’.
4. Drink More Fluids
When feeling congested due to your allergies, water and other fluids will help thin the mucus in your nasal passages. Drinking hot fluids can be extra soothing as the steam adds extra benefits such as making it easier to breathe. Try to keep a water bottle on hand at all times so it is accessible and easy to refill throughout the day. This will also help with food cravings as well—a lot of the time you are dehydrated when you feel as though you are hungry.
5. Allergy Treatments
If the options above have not helped you, turning to over the counter medications may be a suitable option for you. Nasal spray decongestants, eye drops, and antihistamines are all treatments that can help your allergy symptoms that are hindering your day. So if nothing else you have tried has worked, it may be time to consult your doctor on whether or not there are treatments available for you at your nearest pharmacy.
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