Did you know that over half the country is allergic to some of the commonest allergens? This accounts for in excess of 50 million, a figure that in itself causes enough apprehension to make one look for means to minimize exposure. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) goes a step further and estimates that allergies cost tremendous productivity -related losses of up to $8 billion a year. With seasonal allergies on the rise, avoiding contact with the offending substance may not always be feasible. The allergy season peaks when the temperatures are warmer, and reaches its height during the spring. Although, in theory, it extends through year, studies reveal that most allergic reactions are triggered during spring, since this is the time when the universal culprit pollen and other outdoor eye allergens hit their highest.

While lying cloistered at home may seem like the best escape route, this is seldom workable. Well, now there are other solutions to this predicament. A smart approach to still be allergy-safe is to stay away from the pollen-ridden areas. Or at the very take a shower and go for a change of clothes on reaching home. But this works assuming your abode is your safe-house, and keeping it free from stuff you are sensitive to can be tricky indeed. For starters, keeping pollen out is a good idea – try shutting doors and windows early in the mornings especially during springtime, when the troublesome pollen are typically released. Keeping your quarters spic and span also works very well, and so does and regular cleaning of the linen and bedcovers to help clear dust mites. Ensure, however, that you use appropriate dusters and mops; some of the low-cost cleaning equipment may just displace and not totally remove the annoying agents.

Furthermore, if you use an air conditioner, opt for a model that uses a high-quality HEPA filter, which helps reduce the amount of dust and other allergens in the circulated air. As for your expansive lawn, resist the temptation to handle the mowing yourself. Undoubtedly this is your very own haven, but by pruning, raking and cutting grass you only risk exposure and put yourself up for a rheumy-eyed week ahead.

For those who spend plenty of time outdoors, here are some tips to help ward allergens. If you drive around a lot, take routes that do not touch the city gardens, and stay away from tree-lined neighborhoods if at all possible. Keep your car windows rolled up to keep the pesky offenders out and away. If nothing else works, try moving to a low-pollen locality or even consider relocating to the less-polluted countryside. This may mean longer drives, but considering the positives is well worth it in the long run.

If, in spite of all efforts expended, you continue to experience strong allergic responses, your physician may prescribe a couple of medications to improve your symptoms. And to beat the frustration, a short gateway works like a charm! Then again, pick a pollen-free holiday destination; you don’t want your dream vacation to become a mini-nightmare!

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 11:32 am and is filed under Allergies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.