By, Erick Fountain
Marketing Support, Benefit Intelligence
I thought one of the benefits of living in Arizona would be no more sneezing fits or itchy and watery eyes that come with seasonal allergies. Little did I know, Arizona has a year-round growing season, meaning there are always some plants producing pollen. Arizona also has no shortage of sand or dust which can make your allergy symptoms even worse when the wind starts blowing. This article will explore some of the different techniques you can utilize to ease your allergy symptoms.
Check here for the 15 day allergy forecast for Phoenix, AZ. Knowing what allergens are in the air will allow you to limit your exposure on the days that have a high pollen count. Consider an indoor workout on days with a high pollen count.
Clean, clean, clean. Routinely cleaning by dusting, sweeping, and mopping inside your home will help keep the allergens to a tolerable level. Using wet cleaning supplies and methods are the best ways to completely get rid of dust. There are many sources that contribute to airborne allergens such as landscaping work, construction sites, empty lots, open fields, and the wind which delivers these allergens to both your nose and home. Keeping your windows closed can help reduce the amount of dust and pollen in your home. Don’t forget to clean and dust your workspace and desk as well.
Air quality in your home. Routinely changing the air filter in your home or apartment is essential to the air quality. How often you should change your air filter depends on a few factors such as household size, number of pets, air pollution, or construction around the house. In general, you should be changing your air filter ever 30-60 days, more if you have multiple pets. It is also good practice to vacuum (with the hose attachment) or wipe off any built-up dust that has accumulated on the air filter grille. Close the windows in your home and car to keep out as much pollen and debris as possible.
Having an air purifier is a pro-active way to keep allergens out of your home. They come in many sizes and types so here is a guide. When looking for an air purifier, keep in mind what allergens you want to filter out and how big the room is. In general, a HEPA filter is sufficient for eliminating allergens and particulates in the air. It should also be noted that air humidifiers and air purifiers function differently but can both help with your allergies.
Humidity level in your home is another factor to consider. High humidity levels can trigger dust mites and mold growth in your home. Fortunately, high humidity isn’t a common issue in Arizona. Low humidity can cause dry skin, dry hair, increased susceptibility to colds and respiratory illness, and that annoying static electricity. Proper humidity levels can help control airborne dust and allergens because the airborne particles will absorb the humidity and get too heavy to stay suspended in the air. An optimal humidity level for your home should be around 30-50%. You can get a humidity monitor (4.6/5 stars with over 78,000 reviews) here for $11.
Read here for more information on different types of humidifiers.
Try salt water. Try a saline nasal rinse in the form of either a neti pot or a spray. This will help keep your nasal passages clear from allergens and irritating debris.
Wear a mask and sunglasses (or goggles) when doing activities that stir up pollen or debris such as mowing the lawn or working in a dusty environment. Wearing a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses will also reduce the amount of pollen that blows into your eyes and hair.
Take shoes off before you go in the house. You can make this a house rule and it will help keep your home clean by reducing the amount of pollen, dust, and dirt that is tracked in.
Have a nightly shower or shower after being outside to rinse off pollen and debris. Pollen tends to collect in your hair and on your skin which can end up in your house or in your bed which may worsen symptoms long after exposure.
Brush your cat(s) and dog(s). If you have pets and bad allergies then this step is a must. Brushing will not only keep your pet’s fur healthy and fresh looking, it will greatly reduce the amount of fur that ends up on the floor and in the air.
Clean your car. Your car accumulates dust and pollen over time and can upset your allergy symptoms if not cleaned. Vacuuming the seats (and under the seats), floorboards, and wiping the dash will get rid of a majority of the dust and allergens on the inside of your car. Hosing down the outside of your car is enough to rinse off the majority of any pollen or allergens. Washing with soap and then waxing your car will help keep your car cleaner for longer. Checking and replacing your cabin air filter at least twice a year will ensure the air quality in your vehicle.
Talk to a pharmacist for recommended over the counter medications. Some common medications include Zyrtec, Claritin, and Benadryl. Your local pharmacist will know what types of seasonal allergies are prominent in your area and can recommend the proper medications/dosages and other tips to minimize suffering from allergy symptoms.
See a doctor or an allergist. They will be able to make an educated guess on what allergen is ailing you depending on the time of year and can confirm what is ailing you through examinations, interviewing, and testing. Luckily you don’t need to study for your allergy test and the process does not take long. You can read more about allergy testing here. Your doctor or allergist will also be able to recommend treatments based on your particular situation. Consider talking to your doctor about immunotherapy shots if your symptoms are severe.
Take your allergy symptoms seriously. You may brush off your nasal congestion or lingering headaches but they can develop into a bigger problem, such as a sinus infection, and take a big toll on your well-being. If you feel totally lousy, give in to your body and rest. Overdoing it and running around will only make you feel worse.