Tips for the 2010 Allergy Season

People are saying that this year's allergy season is the worst in recent memory. I wholeheartedly agree. Allergies have become a common topic on news channels. As usual, bad weather leads to more spring flowers, which lead to springtime allergies. This year's allergy season has defeated me more than once, and I have found myself wiped out on my sofa suffering the added indecency of daytime television rather than being at my desk working. The worst part about allergies is that they are different for everyone. Here are some ways that you can find relief from a bad allergy season.

Bad Allergy Season Remedies: Get a Prescription

While most prescription allergy medicines are now available over the counter, you should still consider paying a visit to your doctor if you allergies are out of hand. If your allergy medicine isn't working, your doctor may be able to combine some allergy medications for you, or prescribe you a higher dose than what is standard. You should also try different brands of over the counter allergy medications, because they contain different ingredients. On may work better for your allergies than another.

Bad Allergy Season Remedies: Clean House

I was not surprised that the worst allergy season ever also coincided with the fact that I now have three cats, which I am also allergic to. There are some allergies that are just hard to deal with. If you have pets and allergies, it is important to keep a very clean house. Establish sleeping areas for your pets (not in your bed!),and give them a blanket to sleep on that can be washed regularly. Keep your pets brushed and indoors.

Bad Allergy Season Remedies: Monitor Your Indoor Air

During an allergy season, you may feel like you are allergic to everything on the planet. The truth is, the allergens are coming from outside, where pollen is dripping from spring flowers and being blown around on the wind. It is better to keep your house closed up and run an air conditioner or air filter than to "air" out your house, which is just bringing allergens inside. Pets who roam outside a lot will also bring in allergens. Brush them before they come in, or limit their accessibility to the outdoors during the worst allergy seasons. You can also keep your air clean by limiting the use of products like hair spray, air freshener, perfumes, etc.

Bad Allergy Season Remedies: Natural Remedies

If you haven't done so, experiment with natural remedies for allergies. B vitamins are said to help cure allergies. Caffeine can help make your medicine work faster, and I often feel some relief from a hot drink. If allergies are keeping you up at night, place a cool washcloth over your eyes . If you have long hear, wear it up to keep it from accumulating pollens, and shower if you get overwhelmed.

These are just a few tips to help you deal with one of our worst allergy seasons. See your doctor or pharmacist for more allergy remedies and cures. For more information of pollen levels and other allergens, check the weather page of your local newspaper.