Tips To Help You Control Allergies, Asthma

Allergies. Just thinking about them makes you miserable. And while the springtime allergy season is over, that does not necessarily mean you'll get relief from symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes.

During the winter, when people spend the majority of their time indoors, it's important to keep the air inside your home as allergen-free as possible.

Allergies and allergic asthma occur when the immune system overreacts to substances while trying to protect your body. Animal dander, dust mites and tobacco smoke are all irritants that trigger symptoms.

Here are some tips on what you can do to get relief.

* Take medication. Ask your allergist or immunologist what medications are right for you. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend anything from an over-the-counter remedy to a prescription drug.

* Use a mask. Purchase a pollen mask and wear it when doing yard work or cleaning your house. You can find them in most drugstores.

* Protect bedding. Placing covers on your mattress, box spring and pillows is one of the most effective ways to control dust mites. You should also switch to cotton or synthetic materials instead of feather and wool bedding.

* Keep air clean and moist. Change the air filters monthly in your heating and air-conditioning systems. Purchase a humidifier to reduce dry, indoor heat that can aggravate allergies in the winter.

* Do not smoke in the home. Secondhand smoke is one of the most common asthma t

iggers.

* Dust regularly. Use a damp cloth to reduce dust buildup and vacuum to get dust out of carpets and fabric-covered furniture.

* Practice good health. A balanced diet and regular exercise are important for keeping your immune system strong and functioning properly. Vitamins and dietary supplements also may help bring relief.

For instance, several clinical studies show that the antioxidant Pycnogenol, which is derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, inhibits the release of histamine. Histamine triggers symptoms common to allergies such as sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, rashes and swelling.



By: Richard Lewis