Allergy season can be a rough time for many people. If you're sensitive to allergens like pollen, animal dander, or mold, you're likely to deal with allergy symptoms at various points throughout the year. However, there are ways to lessen the impact of allergies. Here are some helpful tips to get you through.

1. See a Doctor

Allergies are very common, but they're still a medical condition. Each year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, at least 50 million Americans experience some type of allergy. This means that doctors are well-equipped to help. Visit your primary care doctor to rule out non-allergy causes as well as to get relief. They can provide prescriptions or professional advice tailored to your situation. If your allergies are severe, your doctor might send you to see a throat doctor. A specialist will be able to do even more to help you get your health back.

2. Keep Your Home Clean

While a throat doctor can help maintain your body, you need to be aware of your environment as well. Keeping your home clean will reduce the number of allergens you're exposed to throughout the day. Clean thoroughly, scrub your surfaces, and clear out the heating and cooling vents. You also need to make sure that you prevent allergens from getting into your home. The best way to do this is by removing your shoes and clothes as soon as you get into the house. This will keep the allergens from spreading throughout the house.

3. Wear a Mask

You can't always control the environment outside of your home. Bring a mask out with you and wear it in high-allergy areas. This might include your garden or certain public spaces. The mask filters out allergens, keeping them from getting into your body. This, combined with the instructions your throat doctor provides, will lessen the impact of allergies. If you want to make sure you always have a mask available to you, pack some disposable masks in your car or keep them in your home. That way, they'll be there whenever you need them.

Allergies are very frustrating. They can sometimes have an enormous impact on your quality of life. If you're suffering from allergies, take these tips and apply them to your everyday life. Give us a call today at Alpine Ear Nose & Throat to learn more about allergy treatments.