11 Quick Fixes for Seasonal Allergies - LiveHealth Online

Did you know? Allergies are one of the leading chronic illnesses in the United States and affect about 50 million people each year. 

Seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever) typically ramp up in early March and run through fall depending on where you live in the country. Southern states may see allergy season begin earlier in February. Here are some quick tips for allergy relief.     

• Use antihistamines. 

Histamine is a chemical found in some of your body’s cells. It’s involved in the creation of many allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or a runny nose. Antihistamines stop the production of histamine, which may then provide you with relief from symptoms.  

Oral antihistamines come in many forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, and more. You can talk to a doctor on LiveHealth Online for advice on which medicine to try. It’s important to note that some antihistamines can make you drowsy. 

• Try decongestants or nasal sprays.

Decongestants or nasal sprays may also provide short-term relief for mild allergy symptoms, especially if you have a stuffy or runny nose. Like antihistamines, you can find some decongestants over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. 

Do you need assistance distinguishing between allergies and a cold? Check out the differences in symptoms. 

• Keep the windows closed.

Try to keep your windows closed if you’re experiencing allergies. This can be tough to do if the weather in your area is nice and sunny, but closed windows will help prevent pollen and other allergens from being brought indoors. A good rule of thumb is to stay inside with shut windows when pollen counts are high. Many weather or allergy smartphone apps can keep you updated on allergen levels in your area.  

• Talk to a doctor on LiveHealth Online. 

You can talk to a doctor on LiveHealth Online to get care and learn about the latest allergy treatment trends. Simply log in, choose a doctor, and get advice to feel better. Prescriptions can be sent to a pharmacy near you, as appropriate.   

• Use indoor clothes and outdoor clothes. 

In short, do more laundry! By wearing indoor and outdoor clothes, you can decrease how many allergens you bring indoors which may ease your allergy symptoms.  

• Try to stay indoors on dry or windy days.

On windy days, allergens may spread more easily as they’re stirred around in the air. Try to stay indoors on dry or windy days to limit your contact with allergens.

• Update your shots. 

There are certain immunotherapy allergy shots available to help with different types of allergies. If you’re missing work or canceling plans due to your allergies, talk to your doctor about shots to mitigate allergy symptoms. 

• Try a recycle setting on the air conditioner in your house or car. 

Air conditioners can often bring allergens into your house or car. When the allergen levels are high in your area, try using the recycle air setting on your air conditioner so that the air is reused as opposed to bringing in outside, allergen-filled air. 

• Shower at night. 

If your allergies are affecting how well you sleep, try showering at night. You can wash off any allergens or pollen that you may have come into contact with during the day. In addition, if you have pets, make sure they’re clean as they can also bring in allergens from outdoors. 

• Opt for an air purifier. 

Air purifiers can help with indoor environmental allergies, as they clean the air. If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms based on indoor irritants, consider using an air purifier.

• Exercise outdoors around your allergies. 

Do you like to workout outside? You still can during allergy season — just check the weather first. The best time to run if you have pollen allergies is actually after it rains, as rain can help break pollen down. However, rain can actually make your symptoms worse if you have grass, weed pollen, dust, or mold allergies. 

You don’t have to deal with your allergy symptoms alone. Doctors on LiveHealth Online are up-to-date on all the latest allergy trends and treatments. Talk to a provider to learn more and get care today!