Almost 40 million Americans face seasonal allergies, which usually begin in the spring and can last through the first frost. They’re often triggered by pollens, molds or other airborne allergens. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Americans spend as much as $4.5 billion annually on medications and doctor visits to treat their allergies.
The first step in treatment is to reduce exposure to specific allergens. If that’s not possible, managing symptoms through medication is often next.
Here are some tips to help control your allergies:
Know Your Triggers: To avoid an allergen, you need to know what it is. Physicians can determine what you’re allergic to by reviewing your personal and medical history or doing a physical exam. In some cases a skin, patch or blood test may be used to confirm suspected allergens.
Create a Sneeze-free Environment: A few changes at home can make a difference. Use an air conditioner whenever possible, make your home “dust mite” unfriendly by vacuuming often, use hypoallergenic products and check pollen counts before going out. If they’re high, stay...