This is the time of year when allergies are at their worst for many people. Our Lawrenceville doctors find that even people who haven’t been plagued by allergies in the past can suddenly find themselves developing problems due to environmental factors, lifestyle changes or simply changes to their bodies.

If you’re already taking allergy medicine, you may find that taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement can complement your medication. Choose one that contains B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and E and minerals including selenium and magnesium. Herbal supplements such as Echinacea.

Healthy Food and Weight Can Reduce the Effects of Allergies

Doctors are always telling people to eat right and maintain a healthy weight for a multitude of reasons. The benefits of doing this extend to helping keep allergies as well as conditions like asthma under control. Foods and beverages that are rich in antioxidants can help fight inflammation, which can aggravate allergies. These include vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and green tea. Foods with lots of omega-3s, such as flaxseed oil and walnuts, are also recommended.

If you are overweight, as many Americans are, taking off some of those extra pounds will make it easier to breathe in general. That’s because extra fat in your abdominal area prevents your lungs and diaphragm from working as they should. Rodriguez MD offers medical weight loss services to help people take off the extra weight and keep it off.

Make Changes Inside Your Home

We may have little control over outdoor environmental factors, but there’s a lot that people can do inside their home to reduce the number of pollutants we breathe in and thus reduce our allergy symptoms. In fact, in many cases, people with allergies are better off outdoors than indoors, where pollutants can be as much as ten times higher.

  • Start with the entrances to your home that can be a breeding ground for fungus, mold and mites. Remove dead insects and avoid doormats made from rope or other natural material. Also, make sure that your family’s shoes stay outside.
  • Use your air conditioner rather than leaving windows and doors open. However, make sure that your filters have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating somewhere between eight and 12. Change the filters on a quarterly basis.
  • Bedrooms are magnets for dust mites and other respiratory irritants. There’s a lot you can do here. Wash all bedding regularly and use dust-mite coverings. Another way to help keep bedding clean is to bathe and wash your hair before getting into bed. Don’t keep stuffed animals and extra pillows on beds.
  • Vacuum your carpet regularly and don’t forget to clean under dressers and beds. Use a damp cloth that won’t spread dust. Don’t forget to clean your ceiling fans, which can attract large amounts of dust.
  • Bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold. Wash bathmats and plastic shower curtains regularly. Run the exhaust fan and leave the door open if possible while taking a shower. Check under sinks to make sure there are no leaks that cause mold.
  • The kitchen can also attract mold under the sink and refrigerator. While you’re surveying the kitchen, ensure that all food is kept in airtight containers and there are no crumbs on surfaces that can attract bugs.
  • Inspect your basement for signs of dampness and mold. Clean those areas with a solution containing bleach. Avoid storing things on the floor. (This goes for closets as well.)
  • Finally, if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, consider replacing carpeting with hardwood floors and fabric furniture with vinyl. These are less likely to attract dust, mites and other irritants.

Precautions to Take Outdoors

If you suffer from allergies, you may feel better outside. However, Lawrenceville physicians will tell you to try to avoid going out during the middle of the day and in the afternoon when pollen levels are usually highest. Moreover, pay attention to pollen counts, and try to stay in when they’re high. You can find out the current pollen levels for your area on weather websites like AccuWeather.com.

If allergies or other respiratory issues are impacting your health and quality of life, schedule an appointment at our Lawrenceville health clinic. Our Gwinnett doctors know how much suffering even seasonal allergies can cause. They can recommend the best treatment for you as well as steps you can take to reduce your symptoms. Call us or complete our brief online form today to arrange a visit.