Tips on Dealing With Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are not much fun, but there are steps you can take to help relieve symptoms. Allergic reactions generally include sneezing, wheezing or coughing, red and watery eyes, congestion and stuffy nose, and itchy skin or hives. In addition to over-the-counter antihistamine medications, natural remedies are available. Always consult your doctor for allergy treatments and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or become life threatening.

Identifying the Source of the Allergy

To receive proper treatment, you may need to identify the actual source of your allergic reaction. You may think you have hay fever but it may be something else entirely that affects you. A doctor can administer an allergy skin test to pinpoint the trigger of your allergic reaction. In the test, the doctor will scratch several small areas of the skin, and then irritate the skin with various extracts of allergens. When a reaction occurs, a trigger has been identified and the doctor will know what course of treatment to take.

Outdoor Practices

Once you have identified the direct cause of your allergy, you can act more appropriately outdoors. For example, if you're allergic only to ragweed pollen, which occurs in the fall, you can enjoy spring and summer activities. To avoid breathing in pollen, you could have a friend or neighbor mow your lawn or trim your hedges. When driving, roll up the windows to help keep pollen out.

Checking the Pollen Count

Another way to reduce your exposure to outdoor allergens and pollens is to check the day's pollen count, which some weather stations announce. Avoid doing outdoor activities during days of high pollen count. Avoid exercising outdoors in the early morning when pollen counts are the highest; better yet, exercise indoors on these days.

Natural Remedies

Besides taking over-the-counter medication, you could choose to take some simple steps to reduce allergy symptoms naturally, after you've consulted with your doctor. To boost your immune system, you could eat healthy, take vitamin C and exercise regularly. Stay hydrated by drinking more water and keep the nasal passage moist by using a humidifier or a spray made of a water and salt solution. Avoid foods that encourage the production of mucus, such as milk, wheat, fried food and red meat. You could also ask your doctor for natural and herbal remedies, such as grape seed extract, stinging nettle, goldenseal, butterbur, licorice and quercetin (a natural antihistamine). You may also be able to treat your allergies with massage therapy and acupuncture.