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How to cope with seasonal allergies, asthma

By Erika, Pure Matters

I've suffered from allergies and asthma since I was a child -- I remember waking up in the middle of the night wheezing and attempting to yell for my mom. Over the years, I've learned to deal with the shortness of breath, tightening of lungs, sneezing, itchy throat, running nose, red eyes, and all the other delightful symptoms that come along with having asthma and allergies. My friends tease me because I ALWAYS carry tissues in my purse.

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Yeah, I'm that girl.

I go through phases where I'm taking my allergy and asthma medicine regularly, along with a multivitamin supplement, and I feel like a normal human being. When I'm exercising regularly, my lungs feel even better. But then I have my lapses, where a little voice in my head says, "I feel so great that my asthma and allergies must be gone and I can stop taking all of my medication! Hooray! Back to all natural!" And I stop taking my meds and soon the asthma and allergies come back full force (plus I get an extra long lecture from my allergist).

Of course, spring is the peak of the allergy season. The weather begins to warm (that seems to happen earlier and earlier these days), buds appear on the trees, and the color green spreads across the ground. I'm allergic to pretty much everything that grows and looks pretty during the spring, even if I'm religiously using my two inhalers twice a day and once-a-day allergy pill, but I refuse to let that keep me inside when the weather is so comfortable.

Here's my list of five tips for making the spring more bearable for us allergy and asthma victims:

  • Don't stop taking your allergy or asthma medication without talking to your doctor first. (Duh, Erika!!). If you aren't currently taking allergy medication, try a natural alternative like Pure Matters Allergy Formula, or an over-the-counter medication like Zyrtec or Allegra. Or see your doctor for prescription options.
  • Keep your car windows shut while driving. As tempting as it is to feel the spring air blowing through your car, you're basically inviting allergens to share a confined space with you. Close the windows and look forward to enjoying the spring air once you arrive at your destination.
  • Take your shoes off at the door. Yes, even the Jimmy Choos! When you get home, take your shoes off. If you walk around your living space with dander, dust, or allergens on your shoes, don't be surprised if they trigger an allergic attack.
  • Wash yourself! The first thing my husband does when he comes home is wash his hands and face. Pollen or dander can stick to you throughout the day and join you on your way home. Get rid of it! If you have time, take a quick shower when you get home or before you go to bed to wash away all those pesky allergens.
  • Keep your home clean. Vacuuming twice a week is ideal to control indoor allergens, especially if you have pets. I've had to tell my allergist more than once that I refuse to give my cats away!

    • If you suffer from allergies and asthma, how do you manage your symptoms? If you have any special tips or tricks, I'd love to hear about them.

    Source: http://blog.purematters.com/healthy-body/five-ways-to-cope-with-spring-allergies-and-asthma#more-1015

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