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Find Out What's Ailing You
One of the most common errors made in the fall is mistaking allergies for a cold — and vice versa — especially when the weather gets colder. If your muscles aren't aching, you are probably suffering from allergies. However, you still need to pinpoint what is causing your allergic reaction. Once you know, you can take the right steps to significantly reduce your allergies in the future. Your doctor can perform a very simple skin test to determine what allergens affect you most. If you want a more thorough analysis, a blood test might be necessary.
Avoid Certain Fruits and Vegetables
One of the most common causes of fall allergies is ragweed pollen (i.e., hay fever). For individuals allergic to ragweed (more than 36 million Americans are), certain fruits and vegetables, if eaten regularly, can mimic the effects of hay fever, and they can even make allergy sufferers more allergic on days with high pollen counts. Watch out for bananas, melons, cucumbers, zucchini and sunflower seeds.
Spend the Morning Indoors
Cooler temperatures and better weather tempt us to enjoy the fall mornings outdoors. Unfortunately, this is when pollen counts are at their peaks. In fact, there is more pollen in the air between 10 a.m. and noon than at any other time of the day. So, if you're planning on doing yard work or exercising outside, try to do it in the late afternoon or early evening.
While you're indoors, try using a Vicks humidifier or air purifier to help you breathe easier.
Shower Before You Go to Bed
Most people like to wake up with a shower. However, if you've been outside for more than an hour during the day, consider showering before you go to sleep. Your hair and skin are natural allergen attractors. Going to bed without washing off the gathered pollen, dust, mold and dander could have you waking up with a sneeze instead of a stretch.
Try a Nasal-Rinsing Neti Pot
To help clear your sinuses, try a neti pot. A neti pot basically looks like a miniature teapot. First, fill it with warm, lightly salted water (distilled water works best). Then, tilt your head to one side and slowly pour the solution into your top nostril. The fluid will flow out of your bottom nostril. This treatment might feel strange at first, but many people around the world swear by this homeopathic sinus-clearing remedy.
Before you try a neti pot to see how it works for you, be sure to consult a physician.
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