Constant sneezing in public can cause you to receive dirty looks from people around you, because they think that you will make them sick. However, they don’t realize that you are sneezing, due to allergies, which aren’t contagious! Learn how to manage your symptoms by reading the tips in this article.

Did you know that those whimsically named “dust bunnies” are really just jumbles of horrifying substances, including pet hair and dander, dust mites, and their feces and even insect parts? They are allergy attacks waiting to happen! Get rid of them on a daily basis, using a broom or vacuum.

Have separate shoes for indoor and outdoor use. If you do a lot of work in your garden or simply enjoy being outdoors, have a pair of shoes set aside specifically for these activities. When it is time to come inside, your shoes, along with the pollen and dust they carry, can be left at the door – minimizing the allergens that make it into your home.

Treating your allergic symptoms for the first time with antihistamine’s prescription or over the counter is best to approach it cautiously. Many of these products are notorious for causing severe drowsiness; there is no way to determine how your body will respond. With this in mind, you should take the first dose at home to avoid safety mishaps or impairments.

Stay away from small flowers that do not have a lot of color. These flowers are the ones that tend to bother allergies. Larger, brighter flowers, such as the ones that bees and hummingbirds are attracted to, tend to be non-allergenic, so you should be okay around these kinds of flowers.

Instead of treating your child’s allergy symptoms only as they occur, discuss preventive measures with a pediatrician. Studies have shown that allergy medications are most effective when taken routinely throughout the year, not just during allergy season. A physician can determine whether or not this approach is appropriate for your child.

To minimize dust in your environment, clean with microfiber cloths, mop heads, and other tools. Unlike cotton cloths, microfiber cleaning cloths have a slight electrostatic charge, that enables them to grab onto dust particles. Rather than being spread around the room, dust particles stick tight, maximizing your cleaning power.

Invest in an air purifier. An air purifier, especially in the bedroom, can help make a person with allergies much more comfortable. These units circulate air similar to a fan, while filtering out dust and other air pollutants. For the best results, look for a unit that features a HEPA filter.

If you are allergic to pollen, and you need to control how much of it is in your home, you should change your bedding weekly. When you wash it, you should wash it in hot water to help remove the pollen. You should also take a shower before bed so that you can wash away the pollen that accumulates in your hair during the day.

If you have eczema, prevention is your best bet for avoiding an outbreak. Resist the urge to pick, scratch or rub at the rash as this may cause the condition to worsen. For quick relief, apply a cold compress directly to the area and allow it to stay there until you experience relief.

If you find yourself battling rhinitis or seasonal allergies to pollen and spores, you should always keep the windows in your home closed if possible. At the very least, close them between the hours of 5 and 10 in the morning; this is the time of day in which plants release higher concentrations of pollen.

Remove all pet hair from upholstery by vacuuming at least once a week. There are some vacuums available with a pet hair attachment that is better at picking up pet hair. Don’t allow your pets on your furniture to avoid any build-up of dander or hair in the future.

Keep your home clean and dust as often as you can to avoid becoming allergic to dust. Some people mistakenly only dust when they can visibly see a build up of dust on their furniture. Dusting weekly, however, could significantly reduce your allergy symptoms.

When painting, cleaning, gardening or otherwise working near allergy triggers, put on a mask. A mask may not completely eliminate your symptoms, but it can drastically reduce the number of particles you inhale, keeping your symptoms to a minimum. Look for masks that specifically filter dust, pollen or other known allergens.

Whether you suffer from allergies caused by foodstuffs, pet dander, pollen or bee stings, living with allergies can be tough. Avoiding triggers is an option for some people, but others can’t help but breathe in the particles that may cause symptoms. Remember the tips in this article so that you can stop suffering today!

Suffering From Allergies? Try These Helpful Tips! was originally published on Spring