Breathing clean air is vital, but clean air can also help alleviate allergies, especially smoke, dust, mold, and other allergens. Ultimately, no one can function properly when an allergy is triggered. Moreover, if you or a loved one already suffers from an allergy, asthma, or breathing issue, breathing in unclean air can trigger a severe reaction like asthma attacks, hives, rashes, and more. 

What Are Allergies? How Do They Develop?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are triggered when our immune system views a particular substance as harmful. As a result, an allergic reaction happens. For some, an allergic reaction may include sneezing, wheezing, congestion, and itchy, watery, or red eyes. Unfortunately, allergic reactions can be more severe with allergy symptoms, including hives, skin rashes, and more. 

While some allergies are seasonal (happens when individual plants pollinate) and perennial (year-round), many others are long. Here are some of the most common types of allergies:

• Pollen Allergy – This is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Experts refer to it as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is commonly known as hay fever by most people. The majority of pollen allergies come from weeds, trees, and grasses, which are the most common causes. 
• Pet Allergy – Many people are allergic to proteins in animal skin cells, urine, or saliva. This is especially true for cat dander because it floats in the air. Pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, and asthma signs such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

• Insect Allergy – Stinging insects (bees, wasps, and fire ants ) and biting insects (mosquitos, bedbugs, and certain flies) can trigger allergic reactions. Insect allergy symptoms may include itching, redness, stinging, minor swelling, and pain around the bitten area. Many people are also allergic to non-stinging and non-biting insects such as dust mites and cockroaches. Both of these pests’ fecal matter and body parts trigger allergic reactions, including asthma attacks. 
• Mold Allergy – When you have a mold allergy, your immune system will kick into high drive when breathing in mold spores. Mold allergy symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, coughing, and sneezing. If you have asthma, you can have asthma attacks, and those with weak immune systems may experience a severe infection.
• Food Allergy – The most common food allergies in the United States are milk, egg, fish, shellfish, peanut, tree nut, soy, and wheat. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, even if you react to a particular food, you may not have an allergy but rather a food intolerance. These include lactose and gluten intolerance, as well as sulfite sensitivity. Food allergy symptoms include hives, itching, skin rash, trouble breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Five Ways to Manage Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

1. Run an Air Purifier

Using an air purifier as a remedy to manage your allergies is a smart choice because it will help you sleep better and breathe clean air. Air purifiers are designed to pull the smallest particles out of the air, capture them in a HEPA filter, and then push clean air back out. Running an air purifier can help everyone breathe more comfortably by removing up to 99 percent of airborne particles, including mold spores, pet dander, dust, and allergens.

2. Try Non-Prescription Medications

There are several over-the-counter remedies that can help you manage allergy symptoms. These can include nasal sprays, decongestants, and oral antihistamines. While one of these non-prescription medications, or a combination, may work better than another, they have all been proven to help you manage allergy symptoms.

3. Try an Allergy Shot

Allergy shots can minimize your sensitivity to allergy triggers. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the treatment entails periodic injections of small and increasing amounts of substances that cause allergic reactions. Research has found that this treatment is effective for seasonal allergies that trigger itch, red eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

4. Acupuncture Works

Research has shown that acupuncture is a viable solution to naturally manage allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine, which emphasizes specific placements of needles to alleviate medical conditions.

5. Vitamin C Helps

As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C can help reduce your allergic reactions and help your body fight infections. In fact, during allergy season, vitamin C can slow down your body’s overreaction to environmental triggers by decreasing your body’s histamine production, according to Medicare Express. Depending on the seriousness of your allergies, a dose between 500 to 5000 daily is recommended.

Dealing with Severe Allergy Symptoms

While many allergic reactions are mild, some can escalate into life-threatening conditions. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of severe reactions, which may require immediate medical intervention.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• Hives or widespread rash
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Rapid pulse or drop in blood pressure

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately. Administering epinephrine (via an EpiPen, for example) can help stop the reaction, but medical professionals must assess the situation right away.

Asthma Attacks

An asthma attack can be triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or mold. Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or a high-pitched sound when exhaling
• Tightness in the chest
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning

In more severe cases, asthma attacks can interfere with daily activities and require immediate use of an inhaler or other emergency treatments. If symptoms don’t improve with the use of prescribed medications, seek urgent care.

Other Severe Symptoms

Some individuals may experience hives, swelling, or skin rashes that may indicate a more severe allergic response. If these symptoms are widespread or accompanied by breathing difficulties or dizziness, they can signal a serious reaction that requires emergency medical attention.

Asthma and Allergy Co-Management

Many individuals with allergies also suffer from asthma, and the two conditions can often trigger one another, creating a challenging cycle. Managing both asthma and allergies requires a comprehensive approach.

How Allergies Trigger Asthma

Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander can inflame the airways, leading to an asthma flare-up. Asthma symptoms, like wheezing and difficulty breathing, are the result of this inflammation.

How Asthma Triggers Allergies

On the other hand, asthma treatments such as corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, sometimes making it more vulnerable to allergens. The inflammation that asthma causes in the lungs can also increase sensitivity to allergens, triggering both asthma and allergy symptoms simultaneously.

Best Strategies for Managing Both:

Allergy-Proofing Your Environment

Reducing allergen exposure at home is one of the most effective ways to manage allergies and asthma. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your environment safer and more comfortable.

1. Clean Regularly:
   • Vacuum often using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap dust, pet dander, and other allergens.
   • Wash bedding and curtains regularly in hot water to remove dust mites and pollen.
   • Dust surfaces using a damp cloth to trap particles rather than just moving them around.
   • De-clutter to reduce dust collection, focusing on areas where allergens like pet dander and mold can accumulate.
2. Control Humidity:
   • Mold thrives in humid environments, so maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50% is crucial. Use a dehumidifier in areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where moisture can accumulate.
   • Make sure to repair any leaks in plumbing or windows to prevent mold growth.
3. Minimize Pet Exposure:
   • Keep pets out of bedrooms and other allergen-sensitive areas.
   • Bathe and groom pets regularly to reduce the amount of dander they release into the air.
   • Consider using air purifiers in rooms where pets spend time to filter out dander.
4. Use Air Purifiers:
   • Invest in HEPA-filtered air purifiers to reduce allergens in the air. Place them in high-traffic areas, especially in bedrooms and living rooms where you spend most of your time.
   • Ensure the air purifier is large enough for the room size and change filters regularly.
5. Monitor Outdoor Allergens:
   • Check pollen counts regularly and keep windows closed when pollen levels are high. During allergy season, consider using air conditioning rather than opening windows.
   • When coming inside from outdoor activities, change clothes and shower to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
6. Consider Allergen-Reducing Products:
   • Use mattress and pillow encasings to protect against dust mites.
   • Use allergy-friendly bedding (e.g., microfiber sheets, hypoallergenic pillows) that are easier to clean and less likely to harbor allergens.
7. Outdoor Precautions During Allergy Season:
   • If possible, avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times (early morning or late afternoon).
   • Wear a mask when doing yard work or mowing the lawn to reduce pollen exposure.
   • Shower and change clothes immediately after being outdoors to prevent bringing allergens inside.

By taking these steps to allergy-proof your environment, you can significantly reduce exposure to triggers and minimize the severity of allergic reactions, creating a more comfortable and healthy living space.

Prevention and Long-Term Allergy Management

Building Tolerance Over Time

Managing allergies isn’t just about relieving symptoms when they occur—long-term strategies can help build your tolerance to allergens, reducing the severity of reactions over time.

Immunotherapy

One of the most effective long-term solutions for allergies is immunotherapy, which involves gradually desensitizing your immune system to specific allergens. This treatment typically includes allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or sublingual tablets (under-the-tongue treatments).

• How it works: Immunotherapy involves regular exposure to small amounts of allergens in increasing doses over time, training the immune system to stop overreacting to those allergens. It may take several months or even years for immunotherapy to show results, but it can provide long-term relief and may reduce the need for daily medications.
• Benefits: Over time, immunotherapy can reduce allergy symptoms and may prevent the development of new allergies. For people with severe reactions or multiple environmental triggers, this is a valuable strategy that offers lasting relief.

Consistent Exposure

Another way to build tolerance is through controlled, gradual exposure to allergens. This method is often combined with immunotherapy and can involve simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing time spent outdoors during allergy season in small, manageable amounts.

While it’s essential not to overload your immune system with excessive exposure to allergens, moderate exposure to low levels over time can help the body adapt and reduce the intensity of allergic reactions in the future.
However, this approach should be used carefully and in consultation with an allergist, as it might not be suitable for everyone.

The Bottom Line

If you’re one of the millions of Americans experiencing late-onset allergies, don’t feel like you’re alone. You’re now one of the more than 50 million Americans who experience allergies each year. Like your peers, you will have to learn to manage the annoying symptoms that come with allergies. No matter the allergy, no one wants to deal with itchy, watery, or red eyes, sneezing, congestion, or other severe reactions like asthma attacks, hives, and skin rashes.

Fortunately, there are many avenues to help you along your journey. Whether it’s acupuncture, a non-prescription medication, or an allergy shot, you have options to ensure you are not living in misery when your allergies are triggered. One of the best ways to manage your seasonal or year-round allergies is an air purifier. These units, especially those with a HEPA filter, capture up to 99 percent of airborne particles, including pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and more.