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Tips for Managing Your Allergies

Here are little things you can do every day to reduce allergy symptoms.
Plan your day
Plan your day

Base your activities on the forecast. Stay indoors on dry, windy days. A great time to run out is after rain has cleared away pollen.

Change your clothes
Change your clothes

If you've worn it outside, don't wear it inside. That way you avoid spreading allergens around your home.

Give it a rinse
Give it a rinse

Nasal irrigation or washing of the nasal cavity and nostrils with saline solution can be done daily to help promote healthy sinuses.

Keep pets off the bed
Keep pets off the bed

Keep your pets out of your bedroom and especially off of your bed to help reduce their allergic effects.

Keep pets off the couch
Keep pets off the couch

Allergens in the air can be reduced by keeping pets out of bedrooms, dens, or living rooms with upholstered furniture.

Bring your own covers
Bring your own covers

If you're allergic to dust mites, consider bringing your own allergen-proof pillows and covers.

Choosing the right room
Choosing the right room

When choosing rooms in a hotel, request a sunny, dry room away from indoor pools and one that is pet-free.

Close the windows
Close the windows

Keep your windows closed to help keep allergens on the outside. If it gets warm, use an air-conditioner.

Take off your shoes
Take off your shoes

Leave your shoes at the front door to avoid tracking dust and allergens into the home.

Filter your air
Filter your air

Consider using a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter wherever you spend a lot of time, especially your bedroom.

Vacuum and filter
Vacuum and filter

A vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter will help reduce allergens in the air.

Wash your pets
Wash your pets

Washing your pets regularly can significantly reduce the amount of allergens. Consider a pet shampoo designed to neutralize allergens.

Hot wash, hot dry
Hot wash, hot dry

Once a week, wash bedding in hot water and dry it in a hot dryer.

Clean the cage
Clean the cage

Waste is a source of allergens from rabbits, hamsters, mice, and guinea pigs. Cage cleaning should be done by a non-allergic family member.

Clear the mold
Clear the mold

If you find mold on a hard surface, clean it up with water and detergent and let it air dry completely.

Dehumidify and clean
Dehumidify and clean

You can reduce moisture in damp basements with dehumidifiers, but make sure to empty the water and keep units clean.

Travel with your medicine
Travel with your medicine

Carry on your allergy medicine when traveling. Remember, it is best to have original packaging when passing through security.

Know when to leave
Know when to leave

Outdoor air pollution can make symptoms worse. Consider traveling in the early morning or late evening when air quality is usually better.

Camp with a plan
Camp with a plan

Avoid camping during high allergen seasons and always pack your medications. Always keep medicine out of the reach of children.

Don't mow or rake
Don't mow or rake

Mowing lawns and raking leaves can stir up pollen and mold. If you must, protect your nose and eyes.

Don't line dry
Don't line dry

Avoiding hanging sheets and clothes outside to dry. You'll end up capturing unwanted allergens and bringing them into the house.

Chores then out the door
Chores then out the door

During housework, wear a mask to protect yourself from allergens. Afterwards, leave the house to avoid allergens you may have stirred up.

Wash surfaces regularly
Wash surfaces regularly

Use single-wipe dust rags and damp mops to clean. If you use cleaning rags, wash them in hot water after every use.

Choose your pet wisely
Choose your pet wisely

Get pet allergy testing before you choose a pet.

Get out of town
Get out of town

Consider taking a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea.