Your allergies might start at any time of the year, but they will usually come at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, on vacation or right before a crucial work meeting.
If sneezing, runny eyes, or a runny nose are just part of your everyday life, then it’s time to try to prevent them. Our guide will reveal where the allergens are hiding and how to avoid them, but you can also learn about the most frequent allergy myths.
Find the most frequent allergy sources
To fight your allergy, you must first identify its causes – that is, where the allergens are located. Here are the usual suspects:
Your air conditioner – One of the most common homes for bacteria and particulates which trigger allergic reactions is your air conditioning system. Does this mean air conditioning is bad for you, you ask? Of course not. AC is a necessity in every home, especially if you live in warmer temperatures like Florida has, but in that case, you must use regular services of an AC vents cleaning company in Miami so that the unit would be clean and safe.
Your bed – We’re confident that this may seem strange to you, but no matter the appearance of cleanliness of your bed, the truth is that dust mites, pet hair, and allergens we collect daily on our hair and clothing quickly accumulate there. Don’t forget to frequently wash your bedding and pillowcase, even daily if you must. Don’t rush to vacuum—vacuum the headboard, the space around it on the bed, and under it, especially if you keep items under it.
Your car – Even when you wash your car frequently and don’t roll down the windows when driving in high pollen counts, allergens will find some way to invade the filters in your car. That’s why you need to clean and replace them regularly. There’s nothing worse than a sneezing attack or watery eyes when you’re driving.
Your work environment – Big office buildings often have one large ventilation system and are not typically aired out. And while you as a worker can’t always make the rules or demand colleagues and supervisors to clean the AC all the time, you can do things like use a sea salt nasal spray and have tissues near. You can also sit beside a plant that improves the microclimate, such as a peace lily or sansevieria. If allergies persist, ask your colleague to switch seating positions if they can.
Apply the 24-hour allergy defense plan
Prior to taking allergy medication (antihistamines), attempt exercising control throughout the entire day:
07:00 – Change your pillowcase as soon as you wake up
09:00 – Sit outside while wearing glasses to avoid airborne allergens coming into and irritating your eyes
13:00 – Attempt to stay indoors when pollen counts are elevated, especially windy days
18:00 – Shower upon entering your home and refrain from bringing the clothes that you had worn outdoors inside your home
19:00 – Vacuum dust within your home
22:00 – Don’t forget to close the bedroom window and turn on the air purifier to sleep
These are the most common allergy myths (you’ve already heard some of them, no doubt):
- “If I never had allergies as a child, I won’t develop them in adulthood.”
❌ Myth.
✅ Allergies can develop at any age, even after 40 years.
- “Local honey is the cure for allergies.”
❌ Myth.
✅ There is no evidence that honey consumption cures pollen allergies, as honey pollen is not the kind that induces allergic reactions.
- “Allergies are not a health issue at all. It’s merely sneezing.”
❌ Myth.
✅ Allergies are likely to cause serious health conditions like asthma or anaphylactic shock.
- “Allergies and colds are one and the same thing.”
❌ Myth.
✅ The symptoms are the same, but there’s no fever and they don’t go away in a few days. They might last all season.
- “I can’t be allergic to pets if I have a short-haired cat or dog.”
❌ Myth.
✅ The allergens are not in the fur, but in the animal’s skin, saliva, and urine.
- “Antihistamines cure allergies.”
❌ Myth.
✅ They only treat the symptoms. The allergy doesn’t go away—it’s managed.
- “If I tested negative for my allergy, I don’t have allergies.”
❌ Myth.
✅ Allergy tests aren’t 100% accurate. Symptoms are the big indicator of an allergy.
- “Allergies are hereditary. If my parents didn’t have them, I wouldn’t either.”
❌ Myth.
✅ They can occur even without a family history, though genetics do play a part.
- “Pollen only comes from flowers.”
❌ Myth.
✅ Tree, grass, and weed pollens are the most common allergens, not just perfumy flowers.
- “Allergies occur only in spring.”
❌ Myth.
✅ They can persist whole year: dust mites, mold, pet dander, and types of pollen during the seasons. Ragweed during autumn is also a very irritating type of allergy, for example.
Those were just some advice for dealing with allergies, and if you have more, feel free to share them with us.
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