Allergy Season and some best Allergy Relief Products
What is allergy?
Allergies are an overreaction of the body’s immune system to specific substances that it misidentifies as harmful. This overreaction of the body’s immune system is known as an allergic reaction and the substances that cause it are called allergens.
Potential allergens can be anything from dust mites and pollen to insect stings, fragrances, and foods such as shellfish and peanuts. Whatever the allergen, allergic reaction symptoms can be miserable, ranging from a runny nose and watery eyes to breathing problems, diarrhea, hives, and even death.
Main allergy triggers
There are more than 240 allergens, some rare and others very common. Who’d have thought that barley, pigeon feathers, silk, egg yolk, horsemeat, vanilla and lentils could be allergens? It’s true.
In North American, pollen season means sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and more. And pollen season in Canada can start as early as February and last to October.
Part A
Here are some free tips to get through allergy season:
1. Minimize Your Exposure
-keep your windows and doors closed in the house during the day. Wash your hands after being outside. Changing clothes after doing gardening in your yard helps reduce the pollens collected while outside
-Avoid outdoor activities on high pollen days
-Use peppermint, chamomile, lavender, rosemary and homeopathic products for cure.
-Wear sunglasses when plants are flowering
- Wash bed linens frequently
-Vacationing in the mountains or by the sea where there is less pollen.
2. Cleaning your surrounding
-Home cleaning in early spring to get rid of all the winter dust and allergy debris.
- Vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces that gather dust with a damp cloth.
- Use an air purifier and keep all the windows closed.
- Avoid staying outside on windy days when pollen is being blown around.
-Wash your hair before you go to bed instead of in the morning. That way, if there is any airborne pollen in your hair they will not transfer to your pillow.
-Take hot steamy shower for clear up sinuses and use a good tissue with lotion.
-Make sure you cleaned up all the areas around your house that accumulate water, leaves, papers etc. This decreases mould and mildew growth
3. Medication
-Use Over-the-counter allergy medications which allow enjoying their outdoor activities.
-Reactine is the best medication for immediate relief.
-Bendryl is also another good medication for helping get through the outdoor allergy season.
Part B: Allergy Relief Products That Work in 2013
Here are some nice product you must buy to protect you and your family from allergy in 2013
Cover Your Mattress
Encase pillows, mattress, and box springs in allergen-proof covers. Prices can range from $65-$150 depending on bed size.
Clean the Air with HEPA Filters
A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can capture 98% of the tiny particles (allergens) in the air. These portable devices range from tabletop to room-size. HEPA filters work best for removing pet dander and pollen, but not as well for dust mites.
Use an Allergen-Trapping Filter
Typical furnace filters don't catch smaller allergens. Pleated paper filters with a MERV (efficiency) rating of 7 to 13 can be almost as effective as HEPA filters and can cost around $10. Electrostatic filters use charged fibers to trap allergens and can cost less than $15.
Electronic Air Cleaners
Electronic air cleaners don't use filters or fans. Instead, they change the electric charge on polluting particles. Some electronic air cleaners produce ozone, which can further irritate allergies.
Neti Pot: Clean Your Nasal Passages
Using a neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages may help reduce allergy symptoms. Fill the pot with lukewarm saline solution, tilt your head over the sink, then pour the salt water into one nostril and let it drain out of the other. The pots, which are available at health food and drugstores, sell for around $15 and contain instructions.
Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Dust mites -- tiny creatures that live in your bed, sofa, and carpet -- are a leading cause of nasal allergies. Keeping indoor humidity low helps control dust mites, which thrive in moist, warm air. But too-dry air can irritate nasal passages and make allergy symptoms worse. Strike a balance by keeping the humidity in your home between 30%-50%.
Wear A Mask and Gloves
Housework and yard work stir up an uncommon amount of potential allergens, from dust and pet dander to pollen and leaf mold. Prevent an allergy attack by donning an inexpensive safety mask and gloves.
Use a HEPA Vacuum
Vacuuming once a week can help allergy proof your home, but you'll need to use a vacuum with a replaceable HEPA filter or use a double bag.
Use Mold & Mildew Killers
To get rid of mold – a common allergen that thrives in warm, wet places like the kitchen and bathroom -- follow these 3 steps: Clean, disinfect, and dry. Scrub mold and mildew away with soap, water, and a stiff brush. Disinfect with a mold-killing product that has 5% chlorine bleach, or use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar
Pet Beds & Shampoos
There are no hypoallergenic pets, but you can reduce pet allergies by keeping your exposure to pet dander to a minimum. Use a mild shampoo to bathe your pet frequently; if your cat is averse to a bath, at least wipe the cat's fur with a damp washcloth.
