It’s that time of the year that most people dread. That’s right, it’s allergy season again. If you are one of the unlucky ones that live with allergies, then you know what is coming your way. Don’t worry, because this article contains advice that can help you face allergy season with a brave face.

The amount of dander and pet hair produced by indoor dogs and cats is immense and ends up in carpet, on furniture and throughout the air. In most cases, simply vacuuming or dusting is not sufficient to remove enough pet allergens to make a home suitable for those who are allergic to these animals. Even with allergy shots, this type of allergy is best accommodated by keeping pet’s outdoors for the majority of the time.

People can be affected by allergies at any age. Many Baby Boomers grew up without access to allergy tests, and other medical resources. They have lived with allergic symptoms for decades. Allergic reactions often manifest differently in seniors than in young people. For example, older adults may experience itching, and mild swelling, but not localized redness. As a result, many assume that the cause of discomfort is something other than allergies. An allergy test can help seniors to identify allergens, and live their golden years to the fullest.

If allergies are causing your nose to drip constantly, you might experience chafing, redness and soreness around your nostrils. Using paper tissues to stop drips can make this condition even worse. Instead, discretely dab at your nose with a cotton cloth or handkerchief or apply Vaseline to your nostrils to protect your skin.

Many people experience dull, throbbing headaches as a symptom of their allergies but overlook the actual cause. Painkillers may offer some relief from the pain but do not address the underlying problem. Even though antihistamines are not considered pain relievers, taking one can treat the allergic reaction itself and therefore, eliminates the headache.

Athletic types who struggle with allergies, often find themselves dreading their daily jog around the neighborhood when pollen counts are high. While some level of pollen will always be in the air at any given time, there is still hope. Pollen content is often at its highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Choose another period outside of this window, and you should have less trouble.

Most people who are allergic to animal dander assume that dogs, and cats are the only pets that can cause problems in the home. With the exception of fish, reptiles, and amphibians, dander is universal among popular household critters. Ferrets, hamsters, mice, and birds are as likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Keep this in mind as you shop for your next pet.

If you see the firm and such as mice or insects, be sure to schedule regular exterminator visits. Droppings from pests can greatly worsen allergies. You may want to consider hiring an exterminator to get rid of these rodents.

While driving to school or work during a peak allergy season, set your vehicle’s air-conditioning unit to “recirculate.” This setting cleans and cools the air without drawing in pollen or spores from outside. Whenever you take your car in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to replace your air filter as well.

If you have an allergy to latex, stay away from all latex-containing products. Some of the things that have latex in them are gloves, clothing, condoms, and bandages. Fortunately, there are a number of alternative products; a pharmacist or medical supply specialist may be able to direct you to them. Additionally, make sure you check products for latex warnings, as this will prevent you from being surprised.

Try to keep your windows closed during heavy pollen hours. While it is good to get fresh air inside your home, you want to avoid opening windows when the pollen is the highest outside. Typically, this is from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. After this time has passed, open up your windows so that your home can air out.

Few things are more irritating to the eyes and nose than exposure to cigarette smoke (first- or second-hand). However, many people mistake this irritation caused by smoke for an allergen and take allergy medications to counter the effects. Because smoke is not a true allergen, these treatments will not have any effect on the symptoms.

Keep your pets groomed if you suffer from allergies. Regular brushing not only removes excess hair and dander, but it keeps pets from bringing in pollen from outdoors, too. While it’s hard to completely eliminate allergens when you have pets, you can probably your symptoms under control with a bit of extra care.

Allergy season may be upon us, but we don’t have to live in fear of it ever again. This article contains enough advice that should help even the worst allergy sufferer make it through allergy season for years to come. Just remember it, and use it before things get out of control.

Tips On How To Better Manage Your Allergies was originally published on Spring