Use all the tools at your disposal.
Before you start self-treating with over-the-counter medications, the most important thing to do first is discuss all of your symptoms with a doctor to determine whether you have allergies and what the underlying causes might be. Then consider your doctor’s recommendations on testing and treatment. Medications alone are helpful for some but often provide little or incomplete relief for others.
An integrative approach explores how conventional therapies such as medications and natural options may work together to help you feel better. This type of approach may include a combination of medications, lifestyle changes (such as new bedding or air filters), and complementary therapies such as nasal rinses and supplements. (Before taking a new supplement, talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits and potential interactions with medications and other supplements.)
Check your environment.
Managing your environment is key when it comes to addressing allergies and doing what you can to minimize exposure to pollen and other irritants. For those who suffer from ragweed allergy (hay fever), symptoms tend to be worse in the late summer and early fall.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends these measures to minimize exposure:
- Keep your windows closed at night.
- If possible, use air conditioning and/or air filters.
- Try to stay indoors when the pollen counts are at their highest.
- Avoid or assign heavy pollen exposure tasks such as mowing the lawn or raking leaves to someone else.
- Consider not letting pets that have been rolling around outside in the grass sleep on furniture such as your bed or the couch.
Check out these great products that may help with your allergy relief:
AllQlear by Integrative Therapeutics Provides Fast-Acting Seasonal Support† AllQlear is a fast acting seasonal support supplement, containing a proprietary blend of quail egg which contains ovomucoids that act as a trypsin inhibitor to support healthy stabilization of mast cells.
ALLER-C is a potent and effective combination formula. Quercetin and Hesperidin (from Citrus Bioflavonoids) have been shown to be two of the most useful and physiologically active flavonoids. This formula can be used for maintaining and supporting proper levels of enzymes and physiologic factors necessary for normal respiratory and sinus function.
AlliHist Relief (previously BioAllergy Plus) is an exciting nutritional product that supports healthy sinus and upper respiratory function. This formula helps the body reduce sensitivity to food, airborne, and contact substances using botanicals and enzymes without the typical sedating effects of antihistamine ingredients.
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