News Taffy

We welcome this perfect spring weather but not the sneezes, watery eyes and runny noses that comes with it for so many. I am one of those who suffer from allergies. Here are some of my tips for coping.

First and most important: If you suffer year round allergies, see an allergy doctor for testing. Why suffer when allergy shots really can make a huge difference in your life? The testing is quick and relatively painless these days. Ask your doctor about the drops you put on your tongue once a day if shots bother you. If you only suffer occasionally with allergy problems, you can use over the counter products to feel better. But if you rely on over the counter products every day for extended periods for allergy relief, you need to be tested.

Spring is the worst time for many allergies as trees, grasses and flowers all produce pollen in great quantities. Watch your local news for the pollen count so you can be prepared. Some people get relief from using Neti pots to rinse their sinuses daily. For more information on Neti pots see http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-11/neti-pots. My doctor also recommends nasal sprays for allergy symptoms.

It is tempting to open the windows to let in the fresh spring air. If you do, you are also letting in all that pollen so keep your windows closed unless you are willing to suffer the consequences. If you have been outside for a few hours, your clothes are likely covered in pollen. You can transfer the pollen to your furniture so change clothes immediately. You may want to shower as well since it will be in your hair and can transfer to your bedding.

You probably know to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter which is more effective at trapping allergens but do you vacuum your furniture regularly? I vacuum my furniture weekly to get rid of pet dander as we have four furry friends living with us. Don’t let your pets sleep with you and wash your bedding weekly. Vacuum your bedspread since it may be difficult or expensive to wash weekly. Drapes look lovely but I got rid of mine after seeing how much dust collects in the folds.

Drapes and carpets are great traps for allergens so they must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly which is expensive. Hard wood or tile floors are better than carpeted surfaces. Blinds don’t collect as much dust as drapes.

You may or may not be aware that many people like me are highly allergic to perfumes from cleaning products, clothes detergents, candles and potpourri. I avoid these products and even avoid some stores because of the heavy perfumes from the soaps, candles and potpourri they sell.

Give your house a good spring cleaning; it really helps to clean those places that seldom see a dust rag like the tops of your doors, under and behind furniture and the coils of your refrigerator. Hire someone to do it if it brings on an allergy attack.

Last, is it a cold or an allergy you are experiencing? A cold is gone in a couple of weeks but allergies can last months. Allergy symptoms can start in minutes with exposure to an allergen. You sometimes have a low fever and aches with a cold but never with an allergy. People with allergies often have itchy, watery eyes but not with a cold.