3 Ways to Deal With Allergies

As Fall quickly approaches, so does allergy season. Try as we might, the changing of the seasons is liable to make our eyes water, our throats scratchy, and our noses sniffly. In order to avoid all the annoying symptoms that allergy season brings, it’s good to have a plan in place before it arrives so you can save yourself the coughing and sneezing and keep on living your best life. From using an at home allergy test to discover your allergy triggers, to incorporating essential oils into your daily routine, we’ve got a list of some of the best ways to deal with allergies this Fall. 

What are Allergies? 

Allergies are caused by the body reacting to a foreign substance that it’s sensitive to. The body considers these foreign substances to be harmful, and releases histamines in order to attack it. However, the release of these histamines can cause inflammation in the body, leading to allergy symptoms. Allergies can present themselves in a variety ways, but the most common mild allergy symptoms include: 

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Nasal congestion
• Hives
• Sneezing

Allergies are caused by a number of common substances such as pollen, grass, pet dander, and dust. As such, they can be easily triggered even when at home, or on the go. 

The Best Ways to Manage Allergy Symptoms

While allergies can be uncomfortable, there are a number of things you can do to alleviate your allergy symptoms. 

1. Figure Out Exactly What You’re Allergic to With an At Home Allergy Test Kit

The first step that you can take in properly treating your allergies is figuring out exactly what you’re allergic to! One of the easiest ways to do that is with an at home allergy test kit, which diagnoses many of the most common allergy triggers including: pests, mold, dust mites, trees, pollen, pets, weeds, and grasses.

In order to take an at home allergy test kit, you’ll want to register it online in order to receive your results quickly and easily. From there, you’ll use the lancet provided within the kit in order to take a small pin prick blood sample. Then, open the test card provided in your at home allergy test kit and place a few drops of blood where it says to. After you’re done, put a bandaid on, and seal the test to mail it back to its provider. You’ll typically get results within a week after it arrives at the provider’s facility.  

Using an at home allergy test kit can help you figure out what you’re allergic to from the comfort of your own home. Once you know what substances are most likely to trigger your allergies, you can take steps to prevent exposure, better prepare yourself for allergy season, and seek personalized treatment for your allergy symptoms. 

2. Incorporate Essential Oils Into Your Routine

Essential oils are oils derived from plants and produce soothing scents that help to reduce inflammation within the body. As such, essential oils are popular among allergy sufferers, as they can help to ease overbearing allergy symptoms. One of the most common ways to use essential oils to relieve allergies is with the use of an essential oil diffuser, which takes the oil and mixes it with heated water to produce an inhalable mist. This is particularly useful for those whose allergies cause troublesome sinus symptoms. Some of the most popular essential oils used by allergy sufferers include: lavender, eucalyptus, sandalwood, frankincense, and peppermint. 

3. Use a Humidifier to Soothe Your Sinuses

A humidifier is a machine that helps to increase the amount of moisture in the air. When suffering from sinus allergies, it’s likely that your sinuses will be very dry and stuffy. As such, a humidifier can help to combat your allergy symptoms by adding moisture to the air, so your sinuses can get more moisture and help you to breathe easier. When looking for a humidifier, it’s important to consider whether you want a cool or warm mist humidifier. Cool mist humidifiers utilize a fan to create mist, and are safer for use around children. On the other hand, warm mist humidifiers are better at reducing levels of bacteria in the air, and are typically a bit quieter than cool mist humidifiers. However, both types of humidifier do a great job at helping to reduce allergy-caused congestion. 

In Conclusion

Dealing with pesky allergy symptoms during a seasonal change is never fun, but luckily, there are a number of things that you can do to help yourself cope with your allergies. First and foremost, it’s a great idea to use an at home allergy test kit in order to determine exactly what you’re allergic to. Additionally, you can incorporate essential oils and a humidifier into your allergy care routine in order to help you reduce symptoms as they arise. By taking the time to figure out your allergy triggers, and having a plan in place to soothe them when they start, you’ll be able to handle Fall allergy season like a pro.