(02/04)

Tricks to avoid triggers for sufferers of seasonal allergies:

1. Avoid stressful work deadlines – stress hormones stimulate production of IgE, the blood proteins that cause allergic reactions. If you are under stress, make sure you get enough sleep.
2. Avoid alcohol - the risk of perennial allergic rhinitis increases by 3% for every additional alcoholic beverage each week, due to the bacteria and yeast inducing production of histamines that cause allergy symptoms such as stuffy nose and itchy eyes.
3. Avoid delay – take your anti-histamines a couple of weeks before the season begins, before you are exposed, as medicines that block histamines work best before exposure.
4. Raise the temperature of your washing machine, as higher temperatures kill dust mites completely. Although if you are concerned about the energy efficiency, see this report about killing dust mites in soft toys.
5. Pay attention to your house plants – many can be allergenic, especially ficus, yucca, ivy, palm, orchid and fern. Allergens in sap can diffuse into the air.
6. Don’t forget to take bedtime allergy medication so that the medication is in your body in the morning, when allergy symptoms are at their peak. But make sure you avoid taking non-drowsy medication so you aren’t kept awake.
7. If you swim in chlorinated pools, wear goggles or a mask to protect your eyes and nose. Chlorine irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Outdoor chlorinated pools are better than indoor ones, as the chlorine gas is more readily dispersed, and avoid daily swimming in chlorinated pools.
8. Avoid friends who smoke – allergy sufferers are especially sensitive to the numerous toxic chemicals and irritants in cigarette smoke.
9. Showering whenever you come home to remove pollen particles from your hair and skin. Put removed clothes immediately into a dirty laundry basket to avoid further contamination of your home.

Source: MSN Health

Click here for more research on possible treatments for hay fever

First Published in Febury 2004

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