5 Tips to Use in Your Home to Defeat Seasonal Allergies

After a long, hot, humid summer and early fall, it’s finally “leave your windows open” season in Florida. While the mid-autumn/early winter breeze is delightful and refreshing, it may also be bringing allergens into your house — and leaving you with miserable symptoms. In this post, we’ll go over the top five tips to defeat seasonal allergies.

#1. Clear the Air

We know how tempting it is to leave the windows open to let the cool breeze envelop your bedroom at night. But, if you’re noticing your Florida allergies acting up, it’s time to close your windows. We also recommend using HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters[1] in your house, particularly in the bedroom. Additionally, there are HEPA filters for your vacuum that will trap even the smallest allergens. Molds thrive in the fall, so if you’re allergic to them, place some dehumidifiers throughout your house to keep it dry.

#2. Seek Pharmaceutical Relief

Arm yourself against fall allergies with a quick trip to your local pharmacy. There are several effective allergy medications on the market that don’t require a prescription. The packaging will tell you which symptoms the medication will help keep at bay. Also, check out nasal steroid sprays, which can help reduce swelling and mucus in the nasal passage. When in doubt, ask the pharmacist for recommendations.

#3. Leave Allergens at the Door

Most allergens are tiny, and therefore they can easily collect on your clothes and shoes while you’re outside. This is why it’s important to remove your shoes and jacket, and even change your clothes, upon arriving home to avoid tracking allergens into your house. We also recommend showering before bed to prevent the allergens from hitting the sack with you. During allergy season, be sure to wash your sheets once a week in hot water.

#4. Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

If you’re an avid gardener or jogger, or just can’t live without your morning walk around the block, be sure to get your outdoor activities done as early in the day as possible. Mornings are usually calmer with little wind, meaning less chance of allergens blowing around and into your face. Also, check the daily allergen forecasts for your area, and on severe days, move your outdoor activities inside (if possible), or avoid them altogether. We know it may be hard to miss out on your favorite activities, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not sniffling and sneezing for days on end.

#5. See an Allergist

The most effective way to find out exactly what’s triggering your fall allergies and how to treat them is to visit an allergy specialist who can diagnose, treat, and manage your symptoms. A board-certified Allergist will look at your entire health picture — family history, environment, overall health, symptoms, etc. — and diagnose you appropriately. Then, they will come up with a specialized treatment plan to eradicate your symptoms so you can get back to enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Take Control of Your Fall Allergies Today

Have you tried everything but your Florida allergies just won’t relent? Brevard Health Alliance can help. We provide primary medical care with board-certified physicians, advanced practice nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Contact us today to learn more about defeating seasonal allergies!

Sources:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343