I’m sure you’ve experienced this before. Sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You can experience these symptoms only during certain seasons. If you are shaking your head in agreement, then you may be suffering from allergies. These types of allergies could be annoying, but there are ways you can deal with them by using the following strategies.

Make sure you keep a close eye on the clock. Pollen is at its peak during the hours between 5am and 10am, so it is wise to avoid the outdoors during these hours. When leaving your house cannot be avoided, you should spend as little time as possible outdoors; it also helps to keep activity to a minimum.

Allergy Medications

Don’t give up on allergy medications if the first one you try doesn’t work. There are many types of allergy medications, and they don’t all work alike. The key is to find the one that will help your specific situation. Other medical solutions you can try include prescription drugs, such as leukotriene blockers and nasal steroids, and basic OTC alternatives, such as antihistamine eye drops and nasal saline sprays.

If you notice infestations of vermin, plan to have an exterminator make regular visits. Insect and rodent droppings can trigger or worsen an allergy attack. Exterminators have the ability to easily and effectively eradicate pests, helping resolve allergy symptoms.

When you take a trip, make sure that you bring along your allergy medication. You may have no trouble for a long period, and then suddenly have an allergy attack when you least expect it. If you’ve ever suffered from a severe reaction due to allergies, it may be wise to carry around an Epi-pen, as well. This special dose of epinephrine can thwart an emergency allergy attack.

When in peak allergy season, style your hair without the help of creams, mousse or sprays. Whenever you are outside, allergens can get trapped and stuck in your hair. Styling products are often pollen magnets, and will turn your hair into an allergen mess.

For best results from your allergy medication, you must follow the instructions properly and heed all warnings. A lot of medications need several days of usage to start working. Most allergy medications don’t work instantly, so taking them only when you experience symptoms often won’t do any good. Make sure to speak with your physician about the proper dosage for you.

Use synthetic pillows instead of ones that are made of feathers or natural materials. Dust mites do not prefer these types of pillows, as their preference is the natural material pillows. You have to wash them to get rid of allergens, but they are healthier to sleep with.

Pollen Counts

Keep your windows closed when pollen counts run high. It is important to get fresher air circulating through your home, but do it when pollen counts are lowest. From around 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, pollen is at its peak. It will be safer to open up the windows and air out your house after these hours have passed.

If you spend any time at all outside, you may pick up particles of allergens. Make sure you take a shower before you go to bed. This water can wash away pollen, mold and various other allergens. Allergens can settle on your skin or in your hair.

Given your new understanding of treatment options, the ball is in your court. With a little effort, you can put the seasonal sniffling, sneezing annoyance of allergies behind you. You can relax and live comfortably. Do this by putting these tips to use.