Most people associate allergens with Spring — specifically pollen. The flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and many people are suffering. The problem is that just because spring has come and gone, that doesn’t mean your allergies have too. For a good number of people, winter allergies can be just as annoying.

The upper respiratory irritation experienced by people who have asthma is often triggered by the same things that give others a simple case of hay fever. That’s because about half of the estimated 17 to 18 million asthma cases in the U.S. are closely related to allergies — the same ones that give us itchy eyes and runny noses.

Since the plants are dormant during winter, many people don’t worry about allergies. It’s true that you don’t have to worry about most outdoor allergens, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. As you spend more time indoors, avoiding the cold, you’re also exposing yourself to more indoor allergies.

The most common indoor allergy is dust. While people aren’t actually allergic to the dust, many are allergic to the mold spores and other living organisms inside dust particles. If you or a family is allergic to dust mites, consider using a vacuum cleaner with a hepa filter. You may also try products that help keep you from dusting as often.

Even if you dust compulsively, you may still have allergy issues. Many times, this is due to allergens that have worked their way into pillows and other bedding. Use hypoallergenic bedding covers as well as wash your sheets and blankets regularly.

Roaches are bad news too. In a federal study, asthmatic children exposed to cockroaches had four times the risk of hospitalization for an asthma attack compared with children who were not allergic. Another common winter allergy is pet dander. While it may be great to have your best friend sharing your bed, this is the worst thing you can do for your allergies. It’s best to limit your exposure to dander, especially at night, by making your bedroom off limits to pets.

If you find yourself getting a lot of colds and other illnesses, the culprit may actually be allergies. Allergies cause many people to produce excess mucus, which creates a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. They stick around, making you get sick over and over again. The good news is that by treating your allergies, you will find yourself getting sick less often.

If you do have allergies, asthma may also be a concern with you. Many asthma sufferers will start to feel better during the summer and fall, but symptoms can resurface due to wintertime allergies. Asthma can also be triggered by the flu and colds that come with allergy symptoms. While you can buy all kinds of over-the-counter allergy medications and remedies, your doctor has to do the allergy testing to make sure your issue is allergies and not some other problem. They can also determine what exactly you’re allergic to so your allergies can be avoided and properly treated.

For a parent, a food allergy can be a scary thing. However, if you take the proper precautions, you can help keep your child safe and healthy. The most important part of doing this is to have an allergy plan. This way, no matter what situation arises, your child will be well treated and cared for.
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Another allergy season is upon us. Millions of people are running to their local pharmacies to find relief from red eyes, irritated throats, and sneezing. Millions more are going to the allergist to get even stronger medications. Actually, the irritated eyes, throats, and noses are the body’s attempt to keep toxins from entering its system. The eyes tear up and the throat closes to keep pollen out. The sinus cavity clogs up with phlegm for the same reason.

There are many cures for seasonal allergies in naturopathic medicine. In fact, you may find that many naturopathic cures have less side effects and last longer than the pharmaceuticals your doctor may prescribe–not to mention they’re less expensive.

A neti pot is filled with warm, slightly salted water, and the spout of the pot is inserted into one nostril. The position of the head & pot are adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. The technique is not as hard or uncomfortable as one may at first think! You will be pleasantly surprised at this simple & effective method of health maintenance.

Once learned, the practice can be done in about 3 minutes, and is easily integrated into your daily routine. One of the chief complaints of seasonal allergies is a stuffy nose. Using a neti pot to rinse the sinus cavity is an ancient way to remedy this problem. The neti pot comes from the ayurvedic tradition. Simply fill the pot with warm water. You can add table salt but there are mixtures made especially for the neti. Insert the neti into one nostril, tilt your head to the side, and let the fluid flush out your sinus cavity. Repeat with the other nostril. This will help your breathing and relieve pressure behind the eyes as well.

Another problem with seasonal allergies is itchy, irritated eyes. A good remedy is 8-12 drops of chaparral or dandelion tincture taken internally twice a day. You can also make an eye wash of chamomile tea and eyebright. Filter it through a non bleached coffee filter and let it cool in the refrigerator. Dip a cotton pad in the mixture and place one over each eye to reduce inflammation. These herbs are commonly used to treat respiratory conditions including allergies, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis.

Astringent chemicals known as tannins contained in eyebright shrink and tighten the top layers of mucous membranes. Eyebright is thought to help control symptoms such as watery eyes or runny nose associated with allergies.

If you don’t want to make up your own remedies, there are many over-the-counter solutions. Usually they are found in organic food stores, or health food stores. Homeopathic eyedrops are the most frequently used remedy for itchy, allergy-stricken eyes. The drops contain the extracts of ingredients such as quercetin and nettle which act as anti inflammatories that keep eyes and nasal passages from swelling up.