Allergies - Steps You Can Take to Feel Better

People who don't suffer from allergies can attempt to empathize with those who do, but it can be difficult to understand. Only someone who deals with them on a yearly (or even daily) basis can truly know the difficulty of feeling sick all of the time because of external factors. These factors can be anything from pollen to pet dander. They affect everyone differently, but the most common symptoms are similar to those felt when you have a cold, and can include stuffy noses, red eyes, and itching skin. It can be a challenge just to get out of bed when these symptoms get their worst. If you're tired of feeling this way, there are some steps you can take to feel better.
Limit Your Exposure
This is the best thing anyone who suffers from allergies can do to relieve their symptoms. If you aren't sure what exactly you're allergic to, it's time to find out. Make an appointment with your physician and tell him your problem. He might do a scratch test or some other form of diagnostics and should be able to narrow down the likely culprits. From there, you can take steps to limit your exposure to the allergens. If it is pollen (as it so often is), you might want to stay indoors as much as possible during the difficult season. If it is pet dander, you might want to consider finding a new home for your furry friend.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the best medical defense against the symptoms of allergies. No one who suffers from them should be without a box. You can get them over the counter, and they are typically advertised to people who need them most. Follow the directions on the box, and they will work to prevent histamine production in your body. It is this production that causes the symptoms that you're so used to feeling. Of course, these histamines are what your body uses to fight the allergens. You aren't curing yourself, but rather treating the symptoms. Unfortunately, this is as much as current science can do about the problem.
Controlling Humidity
If indoor allergies are your primary problem, you may want to think about installing a dehumidifier or two in your house. Humidity is what these airborne allergens use to travel through the home's atmosphere. Without it, they aren't as active. Another good way of controlling humidity is to keep your air conditioner running during the summer. It may be more expensive, but you'll find that the relief you feel is well worth it.