Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted April 28, 2024

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel.

Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse.

You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way, you’re likely familiar with ALL of them.

However, it turns out you could be accidentally making your symptoms even WORSE with some surprising allergy accelerators you’ve never even considered.

When you’re already sniffling and sneezing your way through spring allergies, the last thing you want to do is accidentally end up WORSENING your symptoms.

Following are nine hidden seasonal allergy accelerators you should know about…

1. Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses may make you more prone to allergic reactions. Contacts absorb airborne irritants like pollen, dust, and pet dander, holding them close to your eyes and causing discomfort, itchiness, and redness. When seasonal allergies are at their peak, switching to glasses might help.
2. Stress: When stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the production of histamines. Histamines are the culprits behind many allergy symptoms. Take steps to reduce your stress, like the “vitamin O” trick I shared HERE.
3. Alcohol: You might think a nice glass of red wine would help you relax and forget about your allergy woes, but think again! Alcohol (particularly red wine) can cause your allergies to go haywire. Skip the alcohol during allergy season.
4. Perfumes and candles: Sure, they might make your house smell nice, but perfumes and scented candles can be a nightmare for allergy sufferers. The strong fragrances can irritate your nasal passages, and for seasonal allergy sufferers, they can cause sneezing, congestion, and headaches to spike.
5. Chlorine: A dip in the pool sounds like it might provide some relief from allergy symptoms, but chlorine actually does the opposite. If you find your symptoms worsening on days you swim, put a moratorium on pool days until seasonal allergy season is over.
6. Fabrics: Clothing and sheets should be washed regularly to reduce pollen buildup and other irritants. But you also need to be careful about what you’re washing with. Scented detergents or fabric softeners can aggravate those seasonal allergies. Switch to scent-free products, especially during allergy season.
7. Houseplants: While having some greenery in your home can be nice, certain houseplants can trigger allergies. Some plants, like ficus and spider plants, can release pollen or other irritants into the air, causing your seasonal allergies to flare up.
8. Smoking: We all know that smoking is bad for your health, but it also can worsen seasonal allergies. Since there’s nothing positive about smoking, the obvious fix is to quit, regardless of the season.
9. Weather: You might think that you’re safe from seasonal allergies when you stay indoors, but changes in weather can actually increase allergy symptoms whether you’re inside or out. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause pollen and mold levels to surge, making your allergy symptoms skyrocket.

One of the best ways to squash seasonal allergy symptoms is to shower after being outside. It will wash away pollen and other irritants that cling to your hair and skin.

Treat any clothing you’ve been wearing outside the same way… toss it into the machine for a wash as soon as you get home. Just be sure to use your new unscented detergent when you do.

When the pollen count is high, consider wearing a mask outdoors. An air purifier can also help keep symptoms at bay.

Seasonal allergies may not be entirely avoidable, but a few small habit changes can prevent them from getting worse. I think we can all agree it’s worth the effort.

P.S. Stop seasonal allergies with this SURPRISING hay fever fix.

Source:

Bergmann, C., Berger, M., Klimek, L., Pfaar, O., Werchan, B., Werchan, M., & Zuberbier, T. (2021). Nonpharmacological measures to prevent allergic symptoms in pollen allergy: A critical review. Allergologie Select, 5, 349-360. doi. org /10. 5414 / ALX02294E

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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