How do you cope with allergies? Getting relief can be stressful and prevent you from living your life. If seasonal allergies are keeping you from enjoying your summer, quiz yourself on these common beliefs about allergies.
True or False: It’s excusable to take a sick day for allergies
False! Allergy symptoms can be as severe as a cold, but allowing your allergies to dictate your life is damaging. Unless you’re having trouble breathing normally, take a non-drowsy, over-the-counter antihistamine and carry on with your day. You are tougher than your allergies!
True or False: Changing clothes can reduce symptoms
True! Don’t let your allergies imprison you inside all summer. Get out there and enjoy yourself; but once you’re back inside it is recommended you change your clothes as allergens cling to fabrics. This is will ensure that you don’t carry allergens on you and spread them throughout your house.
True or False: Avoid exercise with allergies
False! Running or exercising outside may make your allergies flare up, but you can still stick to your workout routine by exercising later in the day when pollen counts are the lowest.
True or False: Eating soup or drinking tea is good for treating symptoms
False! Drinking hot drinks or soup is not recommended because allergically inflamed nasal and sinus tissue can become even more irritated. Drink water or milk to help soothe inflamed tissue.
True or False: Get extra rest
True! While resting does not improve allergy symptoms, it will prevent them from escalating into another type of infection.
True or False: Drinking and smoking don’t affect allergies
False! False! False!! Smoking is bad for your health, and can make allergic reactions even more severe since smoking damages your nasal passages and airways. As for alcohol, it inflames the tissues that are most commonly affected by allergies which will only make you feel worse.
If you take antihistamines or need a better solution for your seasonal allergies, please come visit us at Mountain Peaks Family Practice. We want you to enjoy your summer.