Are your allergies not improving? Here are some possible reasons why and what to do about them
We just celebrated Thanksgiving, and there is plenty to be thankful for this year. However, you also may be thinking about what you are not thankful for. For some people, allergies are at the top of your list this time of year. If you’ve had to deal with typical fall allergies and are still suffering even as the weather turns cold, you might be wondering why you aren’t feeling better.
As the calendar changes to December and we enter months of cold weather, it is very important to understand why your allergies are not going away and possible solutions to relieve your symptoms. Since there are many fall and winter allergens that can contribute to allergic reactions, let’s dive into some of the possible culprits.
Travel or relocation
A prime reason why your allergies may not be getting better this time of year is travel. When you travel, whether for work or pleasure, your environment changes. You are exposed to new allergens in hotel rooms, homes, and yards you visit. If you are now commuting again to work, there are plenty of possible allergens you run into every day. Exhaust from cars, being in close quarters on public transportation, or working closely to your co-workers in the office—all can trigger allergies. All new environments, from a home to a hotel room to an office, have dust, mold, fragrances, pet dander, and other allergens you may not have previously encountered on a daily basis.
Even if you aren’t traveling, a deep clean of your home at the end of autumn is probably needed if you are still experiencing allergies. Vacuuming multiple times per week and allergy-proofing your mattress and pillows may do wonders for your symptoms. Changing the filter of your home’s heating and cooling unit is also recommended. Make sure your windows and doors stay closed during the winter months.
If you are a commuter, keep hand sanitizer on deck. Once you arrive at the office, immediately wash your hands before starting your day. At the end of your workday, wipe down your desk area, keyboard, and mouse to get rid of any or allergens that may have settled. Wearing a mask on public transportation is most likely required now where you live. But if not, it is beneficial to mask up when you are gathered next to strangers on the train or bus.
A lively social life
There is nothing wrong with you being a social person. Going out to restaurants and bars or gathering with friends and family for parties, especially around the holidays, is very important. However, that could be affecting your allergies. For example, it doesn’t matter how clean a cat owner’s home is, their cat’s dander is on their clothes. For many allergy sufferers, exposure to cat dander is a primary allergy trigger.
Alcohol is also a hidden allergy culprit. Beer, wine and liquor have high counts of histamines, which are the chemicals your immune system triggers that cause allergy symptoms in the first place. In other words, the more you drink the greater the chance you will experience allergies. It’s a tough task to cut back on the drinks during the holidays, but if you are experiencing more symptoms than usual, drinking in moderation could help moderate those allergies.
Smoking, including second-hand smoke, as well as many fragrances are also major contributors to worsening allergies. If you are sensitive to smoke or fragrances the only way to manage those allergies, aside from seeing a holistic allergist, is to refrain from being around smokers or those who wear perfumes and colognes.
You have some furry friends in your home
There is nothing like snuggling up close to your pets during cold winter months. However, there is also nothing like those pesky pet allergens that could be all over your home, causing your symptoms to be worse. You are not getting rid of your furry friend, but you can relieve some of the allergens they leave behind with these quick and simple solutions.
Keep pets out of your bedroom(s) and restrict them to certain areas of the house. In this way, beds will not become a trap for allergens as it can be quite challenging to clean mattresses regularly. Bathe your pets often to decrease the allergen count. However, if your pet can’t be bathed often, you can use pet wipes. Finally, immediately wash hands after petting, hugging, kissing, or touching your pets, and make sure that you don’t rub your eyes before you wash your hands.
For more tips on how to handle your allergies to your own pets, see How to Manage Pet Allergies in your Household
See a Holistic Allergist to Make Your Life Easier and More Comfortable
If you suffer from allergies, and you have been unsuccessful with other allergy treatments or medications, and are looking for something different, St. Louis Allergy Relief Center treats allergies holistically without the use of pain or pills. We specialize in holistic, natural allergy treatments using Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT). We provide you with a detailed treatment plan after completing a comprehensive assessment to determine environmental stressors that may be triggering allergies or allergy-like symptoms. Visit our website https://stlouisallergyrelief.com/ to learn more or call us at 314-384-9304.
Sources:
https://stlouisallergyrelief.com/how-to-manage-pet-allergies-in-your-household/