The millions of
people coughing, sneezing and sniffling their way through what some experts
predict could be the worst allergy season in years may not know about some of
the more unusual ways to lessen their symptoms.
Here are some ways
you may not have considered to get allergy relief:
Use Special Filters in Heating and Air Cooling Systems
MERV ratings are
used to determine how well a filter removes dust from the air as it passes
through. The higher the MERV score, the better the filter is at preventing
allergens from staying in the air.
"Install a
MERV 12 disposable high efficiency media filter in the furnace and
air-conditioning system," says Dr. James Sublett, managing partner of
Family Allergy and Asthma in Louisville, Ky. "Change the filter every
three months. Leave the fan on to create whole house filtration."
Check Vents
Sublett also
recommends paying close attention to the direction of household vents.
"Use vent fans
in bathrooms and when cooking to remove moisture," he says.
Start Treatment Early
ABCNEWS.com
While allergy
season is already underway, a good tip for the future is to get an early start
on treatment.
"See an
allergist for simple, fast, reliable allergy tests so you can get relief,"
said Dr. Clifford Bassett, clinical assistant professor of medicine at NYU
School of Medicine in N.Y. and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of
N.Y. "Many medications will work better if you start them even before
symptoms begin in many cases."
Change Clothes Outside the Bedroom
"Change your
clothing before entering your bedroom to reduce pollens from being brought into
your bedroom," says Bassett.
Monitor Moisture Indoors
There are more
allergens in the air when it's humid, so experts recommend maintaining a
consistently low level of humidity in the home.
"Measure the
indoor humidity and keep it below 50 percent," says Sublett. "Do not
use vaporizers or humidifiers. You may need a dehumidifier."
Avoid Cross-Reactions
Bassett says about
35 percent of people with seasonal allergies also show a sensitivity to certain
foods. For example, people allergic to grass pollens may also be allergic to
melons, tomatoes or oranges. Those allergic to alder tree pollen may show some
sensitivity to almonds, apples, cherries or certain other foods.
"However, it
should be noted that reaction to one or more foods in any given category does
not necessarily mean a person is allergic to all foods in that group,"
Bassett says.
A Simple Test Can Guide You in the Right Direction
The American College of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology sponsors a free self-test on its web
site to help determine symptoms and point out where to find an allergist.
"The screening
program is a way to get information to review with doctor and get on the road
to recovery," said Bassett.
