I have had seasonal allergies since I was kid. I’ve tried all the allergy medications and can always be found with a pack of tissues in my backpack. Some friends have told me that they know me by the sound of my sneeze. Yeah. Over the years, I’ve tried to perfect my method of dealing with allergies, so here are my five most helpful tips and tricks for when the pollen hits a little too hard.
1. Find the right allergy medication
With so many different brands, like Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc, it’s hard to know which one to get when standing in the pharmacy aisle. Ask your doctor or allergist for their recommendation and find the one that works best for you. It might take some trial and error, but it will be worth it. Zyrtec is my best friend.
2. Don’t sit on your bed unless you’re in clean clothes
I got this tip from my allergist and it really makes a difference. If you go outside and then go sit on your bed, you’re transferring tiny particles of pollen onto your comforter that will only irritate your allergies, so change your clothes. This is easier said than done, but can really have an impact.
3. Try eye drops
Now I don’t use eye drops because I can’t handle things going near my eye, but other people I know swear by them. Pollen often causes people’s eyes to swell or itch and eye drops can be super helpful. Just make sure you get the right kind for the problem you’re having.
4. Close your window
I know it can be attempting to open a window when it’s sunny out and there’s a breeze, but opening your window just means that pollen can fly in. Try and limit the exposure of pollen in your house. If you really want the fresh air, you can sit outside, but make sure to change clothes when you come back in!
5. Always. Carry. Tissues.
I honestly cannot stress this enough. You never know when a sneeze attack might happen and it’s always handy to have a tissue available whether it’s for you or a friend. Take this from someone who walked outside of her door this morning and sneezed five times.