| i've dealt with bad allergies for years, here is what i do:
start with otc allergy meds...here are my experiences with some of them:
benadryl: works well, but makes me too sleepy to function and you have to take it often
claritin: doesn't make me sleepy, but doesn't really work for me
zyrtec: makes me sleepy (but after a few days, i get used to it) and it works pretty well.
allegra: doesn't make me sleepy and works the best.
while everyone reacts differently to meds, these are what i've gone through.
now that zyrtec is otc, that is what i use since i don't have insurance.
keep your windows closed (this is hard to do when it's so nice out) keep the pollen outside!
use a sinus rinse (try neilmed) to rinse the allergens from the inside of your nose and sinuses (feels great!)
vaccuum floors and furniture frequently and wash bedding, curtains, and clothing often.
try febreeze allergen reducer on the things you can't wash or vaccuum.
you can use a hepa filter, but their reliablity is disputed, and they are expensive.
use decongestant (my pick is 12 hour sudafed) if needed. i use decongestant b/c it helps with the runny/stuffy nose and keeps fluid from building up in sinuses and getting infected.
use eyedrops if needed (my pick is visine allergy)
i'm sure there are other tips out there, but that's all i can think of now.
good luck, hope you feel better soon!  |