If you are one of the people that is always sneezing and sniffing when spring comes knocking, there are a number of things you can do to control the allergies. Some of these things, as given by an allergy doctor, include:

Reduce your exposure to the allergy triggers

Everything begins here. You need to reduce the number of allergy-causing materials that you get into contact with. You can do this in a number of ways:

During the dry, windy days, stay indoors. The best time to go outside is after a good rain. At this time you are sure that the rain has cleared most of the pollen from the air.

As soon as you get back into the house, clean the clothes you were wearing outside. You also should get into the shower and rinse all the pollen from your skin and hair.

If you have a yard and have to undertake lawn mowing, weed pulling, or any other gardening chore, don’t do it. If it can’t wait until the allergy season is over, delegate the task.

Regardless of how gorgeous the weather is, keep as much pollen out of the house as possible. You can do this by keeping the windows and doors closed all the time.

Keep indoor air clean

No product will eliminate all the allergens in the house, but there are a number of things you can do to increase the quality of air in the house. Some of these things include:

Install high-efficiency air filters and follow regular maintenance. At least once a month, inspect the air filters and if dirty, clean them.

Most of the bedrooms are packed with dust and other allergens. Install powerful HEPA filters in these rooms that will get rid of as many allergens as possible

Clean the floors with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Use medications

If you have tried avoiding the allergens and you are still developing the symptoms, use medications. Some of the most popular drugs you can go with include:

Oral antihistamines: They are highly effective at relieving itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Decongestants: Most decongestants are oral and provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. There are also nasal sprays, but you should be cautious when using them as long term use of them has been shown to worsen the symptoms.

Combination medications: Some allergy medications combine decongestants and antihistamines, which go a long way at getting rid of the allergies.

Alternative treatments: If you have tried the conventional treatment options without success, you should consider alternative options. Take extracts from spirulina and butterbur shrubs. You also should consider acupuncture.

Regardless of the option that you choose, ensure that you talk to your doctor before you start taking the medications. This is to ensure that you are safe when taking them.

Eat healthily

A healthy diet is a healthy immune system. Eating healthy foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts lead to fewer allergies. When eating, at least add one fresh fruit and vegetable to your meal.

Rinse the sinuses

Rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution is fast, inexpensive, and highly effective at relieving nasal congestion. To clear the sinuses, you need to find a neti pot or squeeze bottle then use distilled, boiled, or sterile water. After rinsing your nose, also remember to clean the device.

Take more liquids

If you are feeling stuffy, take more fluids. You can sip more juice, water, or any other non-alcoholic drinks. The extra liquid thins out the mucus in the nasal passages giving you some relief. You will even be better off taking tea, broth, or soup.

See a doctor

You can do everything from avoiding the allergens to taking the allergy medications, but the condition won’t go away. In such a situation, you don’t have any other way out, other than to visit an allergy physician Manassas VA who will undertake a number of tests and recommend the best treatment option.

Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend an allergy shot, pills, or be asked to take natural foods.  In addition to helping you know the best medication option, the tests will also help you in determining what you should do to avoid the triggers.