Allergens can not only affect physical aspects of your body, but mental ones, too.
– Inability to concentrate
– Bouts of exhaustion
– Restlessness
– Moodiness
– Need for more sleep
Allergies are commonplace in San Joaquin, whose residents suffer from constant agricultural harvests, smog, and a variety of triggers year-round. From bouts of rainfall, to blessed rays of sunshine, outdoor flora flourishes and mold lays claim to the dampest corners of the household. It’s wise to consider that what you’d thought was a cold you couldn’t quite shake could be the symptoms of allergens affecting your way of life.
From stuffed up noses, to puffy eyes and clogged sinuses, allergic reactions can prevent you and your loved ones from enjoying normal day to day activities. If these symptoms persist, it may have strong implications to your overall mood. Keep your allergy triggers in check by taking a little self-diagnosis of your usual symptoms, and follow the advice below to discover how to reign in that nasty case of the sniffles.
Allergy Symptoms
Itching, Watery Eyes
Eyes continuously produce tears, or feel as though they were tearing up. They’re considerably uncomfortable and may begin to swell and turn red. They eye lid may puff as well, and the surface proves difficult not to scratch to relieve itching.
Nasal Pruitus or Itchy Nose
A tickle frequently occurs within the nostrils, causing an almost involuntary need to sneeze or twitch the tip of the nose upward to prevent sneezing or to relieve tickle.
Postnasal Drip
When experiencing an allergic reaction, more nasal drainage than usual funnels down from the nose and into the back of the throat. This nasal drip may cause a sore throat and, if too much makes its way to the stomach too quickly, queasiness. A need to constantly clear your throat or cough to remove the excess buildup is common. These symptoms can also indicate that an individual has nasal polyps, so it is best to get seen by an allergy specialist so that the correct treatment can be administered.
Moodiness
Frequently suffering from allergy symptoms, primarily during sleep, can cause negative mood changes, due to a lack of sufficient sleep, or inability to experience the varying stages of sleep.
Preventing Pollen Triggers
1. Track the current particle count by referring to ValleyAir.org daily and adjust outdoor activities to ensure the least amount of contact.
2. When planning on engaging in outdoor activities, take doctor prescribed allergy medicine in advance, to ensure minimal problems with symptoms.
3. If working or playing around known allergy triggers, remove clothes and wash. Take a shower to ensure most of the allergen triggers are no longer on your skin.
4. Keep the house closed to prevent outdoor pollen triggers from entering. Use HEPA approved filters for any air purifiers and change whenever necessary.
5. Vacuum frequently and maintain filters.
Reduce Dust Mites & Cockroaches
If cockroaches appear in your household, hire a professional exterminator to assess the severity and eliminate them from the household. You should also frequently vacuum the house to remove dander and other allergens. When it comes to bedding, you should be washing your bedding and pillow covers weekly. If possible, use allergen-proof covers on your mattress. In terms of mattresses, box spring mattresses are recommended if you suffer from allergies. However, box spring mattresses often receive negative comments, so you may be wondering is it a better choice? If you are unsure, you may want to explore some alternatives. It is also important to seal any cracks and openings found in the house.
Animal Dander Prevention
Keep pets out of the bedroom.
Wash pets weekly to minimize dander buildup.
Use HEPA approved air filters with air purifier and change frequently as needed.
Mold Prevention
Use a household dehumidifier to remove humidity from the household.
Avoid areas of high humidity that may promote mold growth.
Clean walls and countertops of bathroom, along with shower curtains and doors, to prevent mold buildup.
Avoid working with or near known mold buildup, such as rotting leaves, compost, or greenhouses, and barns.
It is worth noting that, if the mold in your home is particularly stubborn, you might want to consider reaching out to a Red Deer mold removal company instead. Contacting an expert would be sensible as it would ensure the mold buildup is completely gone and would limit your interaction with it. To find a mold removal company in your area, search online for ‘mold removal near me‘. This will present the best local companies.
Natural Remedies
Neti Pot
A type of nasal irrigation, the Neti Pot removes painfully thick mucus buildup in the sinuses via a saline solution. This mixture of salt and distilled water is pushed through the nasal cavity and out the other side or partially down the throat, removing irritants.
Nettle Leaf
Known as a natural antihistamine, nettle leaf can be mixed with other herbs to form a tea for allergy symptom relief. It can also be taken in capsule form.
Quercitin-enriched Foods
This flavanoid has been known to cease the release of histamine in your system. Fill your diet with cranberries, apples, tomatoes, and peppers.
Butterbur
An herb that helps to reduce mucus, and assists with migraines and asthma, butterbur is recommended to be taken as a capsule to help reduce allergy symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
A diet rich in fish like salmon and sardines, or foods like walnuts and spinach can provide a boost in Omega-3, which can help the body to reduce inflammation.
