Seasonal Allergies - Surprisingly Simple Solutions for Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can turn the joys of spring into full-fledged misery. But just because you are sensitive to the substances around you this time of year, you don't have to suffer. Check out these surprisingly simple solutions for seasonal allergies:

Avoid Known Allergens

One of the best ways to lessen your seasonal allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens that affect you as much as possible.

Pollen counts are always at their highest in the early a.m. hours (before 9 a.m.), so make a point to schedule outdoor activities later in the day and keep your windows closed. If you are sensitive to mold, the count is higher outdoors in the late afternoon, so be sure to wear a mask if you need to be outside then.

Always shower and change your clothes (wash them before wearing again) when you come in so that the allergens you bring inside with you are eliminated.

Try OTC Remedies

If you don't like -- or can't afford -- prescription medications, ensure that you have given all OTC remedies a try. Different allergy medications work for different people. What works great for you might not work for others and vice versa. Recently, a new allergy medication, Allegra, became available over-the-counter. If your current medication doesn't seem to be helping these days, you might want to give it a try.

In addition to antihistamine allergy medications, if you suffer from congestion, you may wish to try a formula that contains a decongestant, or, to take a separate decongestant as needed.

Make a Preemptive Strike

Don't wait until your allergy symptoms have flared up to take that medication. If you know what your trigger is and that you're going to be exposed to it, take it before hand. It's always preferable to prevent the symptoms rather than wait and treat them once they have arisen, especially since allergy symptoms make you feel so terrible -- if taking your pill now rather than later prevents even just a few hours of that misery, it's worth it.

Be sure to consult your allergy medication's directions as to how often you should use it; some can be taken every few hours while others are meant to last 12 or 24 hours.

Nab a Neti Pot

It isn't the most pleasant thing in the world to have to do, but using a neti pot (a pot with a spout and handle that you fill with liquid to irrigate your nasal passages) could help your allergies subside by helping to clear out mucus and eliminating some of the irritants that cause allergic reactions from your nasal passages.

I was reticent to try this and suffered with terrible allergies every spring until I finally broke down and tried the net pot after being given one. I have to say that using it regularly changed my life and I regret not having tried it sooner.

Pick Up the Phone

Too many people I know think they simply have to suffer through allergy symptoms. But, if your symptoms are disrupting your life on a regular basis, it's time to make an appointment and discuss them with your doctor.

If nothing seems to be working, your doctor may tell you that you are a candidate for an allergy shot, which desensitizes your body to allergens -- then, since your body doesn't fight the allergens, you don't have symptoms. They don't always work, though, and you need to have them every month for between three and five years, so it's important that you've tried all other options before making this commitment.