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Stay away from fall allergies

Fall Allergies

Come fall and you are laid down by a host of allergies and a pack of medicines to consume. One of the most common fall allergies that 10-20 percent people suffer from is ragweed allergy. As a result of global warming, the ragweed season has extended which makes matters worse. Once the rain starts, the ragweed sufferers are relieved. But there comes another common allergy of moulds and fungi due to the moist atmosphere. If you are prone to such allergies, it is important to take utmost care during the fall season and prevent the allergy form surfacing. Here are some ways to stop them before they trouble you:

1. Butterbur

Butterbur

Butterbur tablets are a great herbal remedy for mould allergy. The leaves and the root of the bush are known to be as effective as cetrizine in treating allergies without causing the side effect of drowsiness. However, for ragweed allergy, butterbur should not be used as ragweed belongs to the same family as butterbur and can worsen the allergy.

2. Cover Crop Plantation

Cover Crops

Ragweed allergy is not entirely preventable as the pollen from a single plant is capable of travelling 400 miles. However, to do your bit of allergy prevention, you may prevent ragweeds from forming in your garden by planting cover crops like oats, rye, field peas, clover, buckwheat etc. This process will also protect your soil for the next planting season in spring by leaving them healthy and well nourished.

3. Preserve Dead Leaves

Dead Leaves

Moist dead leaves easily catch mould and can cause allergies in you. Therefore, it is important for them to be removed promptly before they become moist and turn mouldy. Use the dry leaves for making mulch for the planting season or shred the leaves to form a compost heap which you can leave covered for the mould to develop. This can be used as fertilisers for the garden and you can cut your gardening cost considerably.

4. Filter Cleaning- An Essential Activity

Filter Cleaning

Whilst staying at home will prevent you from falling a victim for ragweed and mould allergies, you must still be careful not to fan in all the pollen from outside. Here comes the importance of cleaning all your air filters in your air conditioners and furnaces. This will also increase the efficiency of the filters and reduces your electricity bills as well.

5. Look for Humid Environments

Humid Environments

People with mould allergy must ignore this suggestion as a humid environment can increase and aggravate the problem beyond control. But for ragweed allergy, humid environment comes as a boon as the pollen does not fly around as easily as in a dry atmosphere. Beaches are great destinations where you can be, as the humidity levels will leave the pollen grain density to the lowest levels. You may also check out great destinations for vacations where the humidity levels are high.

6. Try Natural Anti Allergy Treatments

Natural Anti Allergy Treatments

In spite of the greatest possible care, you are still bound to fall for allergies as there are always others who have not been as careful as you and can spread the allergens around. In such cases where you do not want to use OTC drugs and anti allergic medications, you can try natural anti histamines that are specific to your allergy. Vitamin C, E and Vitamin B supplements might help at this point. Take natural herbs and supplements like Echinacea to improve your immunity as well.

7. Keep Them in Stock

Anti allergic medications

Natural medications and herbs may not be very effective for everyone. For those with severe allergies, the need for antihistamine medications and other treatment methods might become necessary. Keep the medications ready so that you can use them immediately, as soon as the symptoms surface so that the allergy does not aggravate and is kept well under control. It is also a good idea to take preventive medication if any.

8. Use Anti Allergy Gear

Anti allergy mask

While going out, you may use anti allergy gear that can help you to some extent. These are specialised gears that help keep the allergens at bay. Check with the shops to get one that suits your allergy problem the best.

9. OTC and Alternative Medications

OTC and Alternative Medications

Keep a list of all the safe OTC medications that can be safely used for your allergic condition. This holds true, especially when you are travelling. Keep a few of them ready with you as well in case you fall sick on the way and cannot find a pharmacy that sells these drugs.

There are quite a few alternative treatment methods too that can be used after consultation with a herbalist, ayurvedic practitioner or a homeopath.

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