Many people who have a cold suffer from watery eyes, constant sneezing and coughing and an itchy throat. However, people who suffer from allergies are always suffering through these symptoms, especially when the seasons are changing. Use the concepts in this article to combat the causes of your allergies.

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.

If you suffer from any allergies, be sure to keep air-filters and air ducts clean throughout the year. They will harbor allergy inducing particles like pollen, and may recirculate them in your breathing air. A few times a year, take them out and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

With so many allergens in the air, it can be hard to pinpoint the most likely culprit for your allergic symptoms. Most people just assume that pollen is to blame. Actually, it could be anything from lawn fertilizer, to local wildlife, and native plants. In these cases, it is easy to become discouraged when one experiences an allergic reaction even during days with a low pollen count. An allergy test can help you to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

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.

If allergy season has made your eyes dry, itchy and irritated, a cold compress may be just the thing you need to find relief. Applying a chilled gel pack, eye pillow or cloth over your eyes can reduce swelling within minutes. This also works wonders for eliminating unsightly redness; it is in addition extremely relaxing!

One way to reduce the amount of unwanted allergens in your home is to keep the windows closed. When you open windows up, pollen can get inside your home and wreak havoc on your allergies. Also, to eliminate allergens, be sure your air conditioning and vents are clean.

When looking at your local weather forecast, if you see that pollen is going to be high, take your allergy medication in advance. Why wait until pollen gets too bad to take your medication? Instead, take it in advance, so that you do not have to suffer when going outdoors for the day.

If you have at least one known food allergy, there is a fair chance that you may be allergic to other foods in the same group. For example, you may be allergic to crustaceans, shellfish or both. Always exercise caution when trying new foods for the first time, especially if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction.

Invest in hypoallergenic mattress pads and pillowcases. Regardless of how often you wash your sheets, without any protection, your pillows and mattresses are going to gather dust and other allergens. Hypoallergenic mattress pads and pillowcases act as an impenetrable barrier – keeping your bed a safe haven from your allergies.

Kitchens are breeding grounds for mold, which can torment would-be chefs who have mold allergies. To discourage the growth and spread of this unwanted intruder, always use an exhaust fan while preparing food on the stove or in the oven. This draws excess moisture from the air, which makes it difficult for mold to grow.

Slow down. When you find yourself dealing with pet allergies, you may initially be distraught and think you have to give up a beloved pet. The truth is there are many ways to deal with this type of problem without losing your loved one. Talk to a medical professional to see what options you have.

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.

If you find your allergies to be getting unbearable, you may need to look into the possibility of allergy shots. These are available for a wide range of allergies. They can help almost anyone to deal with their allergies more easily. Talk to your doctor to see what options are available to you.

Steering clear of allergy trigger points is possible for some sufferers, particularly the ones whose main problem areas are centered around food items. However, suffering from allergies to pet dander or pollen can be a little harder to deal with. Put the advice in this article to use and you will no longer have to deal with these problems.

What You Should Do About Your Allergies was originally published on Spring