GET YOUR BEST ALLERGY RELIEF WITHOUT ANY PILLS

So before you reach for the pills or succumb to weekly allergy shots to relieve those allergy symptoms, please, come take a look at some of these non-pill solutions for seasonal allergies that we have found that work at our house without any of those undesirable side effects the pills can carry.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIHISTAMINES AND ALLERGY MEDICATIONS

You can certainly reach for the pill bottles and for some, their allergies are so severe, it is the only remedy that helps.  Some of those pills do have side effects like these, however:

• Faster heart rate
• Complications with other medications for high blood pressure, antibiotics or others
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea and maybe even vomiting
• Restlessness or moodiness (in some children)
• Trouble urinating or not being able to urinate
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Trouble sleeping
• Itchy skin
• Ringing in the ears

9 EASY DRUG-FREE SOLUTIONS TO SEASONAL ALLERGIES

For those who suffer more of the mild reactions to seasonal allergies and who do not want the pills as well as for severe sufferers who have to take the pills and need even more help, here are some habits to create that may help lessen the pollen impact and help eliminate those allergy symptoms. I have linked  to some favorite and very useful products that have helped us or others we know to create an allergy-free and drug-free zone to feel their best all year-round no matter what is blooming:

1.  Watch the counts.

High pollen counts really exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Consider bookmarking this site that forecasts pollen counts in your area and watch the weather channel for updates.  Stay inside during pollen peak times like early morning and late afternoon hours.

2.  Make spring cleaning effective. 

Keeping your home clean is a great way to keep the pollen at bay.  But, you may be able to get out of the dirty deed this time of year.  Dusting up that pollen while cleaning can really aggravate your situation. Ever so politely ask a non-allergen sufferer in your home to take pity and wipe down surfaces daily to clear the pollen away.  Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens as well.  Wash your sheets (especially change pillow cases) and towels frequently, too.

Don’t miss this:  This 5 minute cleaning ritual at your house can greatly reduce the likelihood of the flu hitting your family.

3.  Vacuum your dog.

Yes, I do this, and please do not report me to PETA because she loves it!  The point here is that pollen attaches to everything that has been outside.  If you want a snuggle with Rover and he has been outside, you are snuggling with pollen, too.  This goes for you as well.  After being outdoors, shower and change your clothes to help eliminate tracking in allergens.  This is especially important before bed as you want to keep your bed a pollen-free zone!

4.  Sprinkle warm spices.

Nothing like a hot bowl of spicy soup to start clearing those nasal passages. Much like when you have a cold, the heat of the spice and the heat of the food temperature work together to clear you up.

5.  Rinse thoroughly.

Clear your nose of all traces of pollen. The netipots are fine to achieve this, but make sure you use sterilized water.  These individualized packs of saline with a nebulizer or a netipot are a lifesaver for some I know.  The cans of sanitized saline are an easy option, too, and you may find a little less messy.  Do this at least once a day but especially after being outside.

Don’t miss this:  Is your first aid kit at home up to par? Check these ideas out to make sure.

6.  Channel Hollywood.

Is it just the sunny weather in Hollywood or are sunglasses primarily a fashion accessory? Whatever it is, sunglasses greatly protect your eyes from pollen. So, go ahead and keep ’em on just like the stars! But, outdoors will do.

Don’t miss this:  Some sunglasses can do more harm to your eyes than good! Tap here for really important things to look for to protect your eyes when buying sunglasses.