Allergy sufferers may get a welcome respite from outdoor offenders like pollen and mold during the colder months of the calendar, but many suffer from indoor allergies, as well. To stay ahead of the game, there are some things you can do to try and avoid an all-out attack on your system. Many of these recommendations also work for avoiding transmission of colds and flu viruses.
Indoor triggers include dust mites, mold, pet dander, smoke and poor indoor air quality, among others, and can start off an attack and possibly lead to a secondary upper-respiratory infection and asthma. One way to keep symptoms from cropping up, is to keep taking your usual allergy medicine well into the winter months.
If you come in contact with an indoor allergen like dust or mold, doctors recommend washing your skin immediately and changing clothes to avoid symptoms developing. Try not to rub your eyes which may increase irritation rather than help the situation. These two suggestions are also a good way to avoid transmitting viruses that may be lurking around your house. You may additionally choose to wear rubber gloves or an allergen-blocking mask when doing things you know will be kicking-up a lot of dust or mold.
It also is suggested to keep your house clean, by washing or treating soft materials (bedding, carpeting, drapes, etc.) regularly to cut down on dust mites. You may also opt in the long run if you have acute indoor allergies, to switch-out dust mite and pet dander-harboring carpets and rugs for hardwood or tile surfaces that are easier to keep allergen-free. Remember, too, that changing air filters in your heating system and cleaning humidifiers in the home can help cut down on offensive particles flying around, as well.
Many allergy sufferers also find relief from repeated use of a natural sinus rinse product like Neil Med’s Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot, which can be found, along with other branded versions, at most pharmacies. Sinus rinse works by combining warmed (not hot) distilled water, and a pre-mixed, Ph-balanced sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate packet in the provided vessel which is used to flush the sinuses and throat (follow directions on the package). There also are nasal saline sprays and drops which could be used, but in my own experience, the Sinus Rinse product works best for keeping symptoms under control.
Drink a lot of water to keep hydrated. It’s easier to get sick when you’re not consuming enough hot and cold liquids. You may also like to keep your throat lozenges handy to help it remain moistened.
Finally, avoid the urge to hibernate, selecting instead to remain active, and continue to eat right to keep your immunity strong.