You’re sneezing; you have itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, and a runny nose. That’s right; it’s allergy season. You may be wondering, but I’m isolated. I never leave my house. Why am I suffering? The cold hard truth is that there are allergens both outside the home and inside it as well. Even if you rarely spend time in the great outdoors, you may still have allergy side effects.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor allergies? Not a lot, as far as symptoms are concerned. Itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, no matter where the allergen lives.
Animals and dust mainly cause indoor allergies. Pets, dust mites, rodents, and the dreaded cockroach can cause your allergies to flare when you’re indoors. Outside allergens are all about pollen: trees, grass, and weeds. Of course, we can’t forget molds as well, but they live inside and out.
The good news is, allergy relief is not a pipedream. You can minimize allergy attacks with a bit of education and elbow grease.
If you have a pet companion, make sure you keep them well-groomed. Keeping their fur coat at bay will help, but you may have to take more precautions like keeping the bedroom as a no-animal zone.
Minimizing dust also helps. Invest in some mattress and pillow covers. Hardwood floors reduce allergen build-up, so if you have carpet, vacuum regularly. Wash bedding every week (or more) and keep stuffed animals and other allergen magnets off of your bed.
Now is the time to call an exterminator. If you know that you have unwelcome guests (mice and insects), you can help eliminate more indoor allergies by forcing them to meet their maker. It may sound macabre, but your body will thank you.
To further minimize bringing outdoor allergens inside, make sure to close your windows and use the AC. It would be best if you also refrained from hanging clothes outside, immediately changing clothing when you come home, and checking pollen levels before planning any outside activities.
If it’s too late for all of this because you’re currently having an allergy attack, over-the-counter medications help. Try saline nasal sprays, rinses, and eye drops. If your symptoms continue, contact Texas ENT and make an appointment so your doctor can prescribe more relief.
Whether you’re an outdoors person or a homebody, allergies can strike anywhere. There’s no need to panic. With some precautions, medication, and your doctor, you can get through spring with little to no allergy side effects.
