We are in one of the most difficult times of the season for people suffering from severe allergies or even asthma. Sitting on the sidelines while friends and family members are outside enjoying the nice weather can be quite depressing. There are ways to help ease your allergy and asthma symptoms, though, that can help you enjoy this time of year. Best of all, most of these won’t cost you a dime!
1. Identify Your Triggers
The most important step for asthma and severe allergy sufferers is to identify and record any possible triggers. Keeping a journal or diary is a great way to record anything that triggers your symptoms. This will allow you to better understand what brings on these symptoms or attacks, and can help you plan to either manage your symptoms better or avoid these triggers in the future. Identifying and keeping record of your triggers is essential to properly managing your allergies or asthma.
2. Be Aware of Your Environment
Asthma and allergy sufferers need to be extra aware of their environment at all times. You can easily overlook certain potential triggers, like pollen or second hand smoke in the air, until it’s too late and you’re suffering an attack. You also need to be careful when exercising outside, as these particles can travel easily through the air. You should also be careful not to overexert yourself when exercising to ensure you don’t bring on an attack. In this case, knowing your limits as well as your triggers is essential.
3. Regularly Clean Your Home
A clean home is a happy home, especially if you or other members of your household suffer from asthma or allergies. While it may seem like common sense, very few people actually take the time to properly clean their home on a regular basis. Sweeping up dirt, dust and debris from the floor and furniture can help eliminate potential asthma and allergy triggers. Cleaning can also help improve the quality of the air in your home. Extra care should be taken if you have a pet, as pet hair and dander is a major trigger for many. It may be worthwhile to investigate a decent quality vacuum or electric broom – even a simple hand held Bissell or Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner can make a big difference.
4. Take a Bath!
OK, you don’t have to take a bath, but washing your hands and face can go a long way towards easing your allergy and asthma symptoms. Simply washing with water can remove many harmful particles from your face and hands. This isn’t a once-a-day deal either – washing several times a day is essential if you really want to ease your symptoms and enjoy the season more.
5. Your Diet
Certain types of food and drink can also contribute to an exacerbation of asthma or allergies. Milk can lead an increase in phlegm, so it is important to limit dairy consumption when you’re struggling with your symptoms. Also, alcohol can be detrimental to your allergies. Again, it is important to keep track of what kinds of food or drink have a negative effect on your symptoms so you’re able to avoid them when necessary.
Finally…Relief
In the end, the most important thing to remember when trying to ease asthma and allergy symptoms is to learn exactly what triggers the attacks. Once you know and understand just what the triggers are, you can come up with the right plan to manage your allergies or asthma through either avoiding your triggers or at least limiting your exposure to them.
About the author
Mike Tennant is a freelance writer who has covered lifestyle and technology topics for more than four years. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mike currently works with Vacuum-Home.com as a content developer and online consultant.
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