When was the last time that you changed your brand or type of contact lens? If you have been using the same brand and type of contact lenses for several years, it may be time for you to learn about the newer versions that are on the market today. You may find that there is no longer the need to struggle with putting your lenses in each day, cleaning them, and messing around with those little storage containers. Extended wear contact lenses may be an option for you like they are for me. After being told five years ago that I could not wear extended wear lenses, the design of them have changed and I now wear them for an entire week before removing them! Learn more about the various contact lenses on the market today to help yourself, find some that are perfectly comfortable and less of an inconvenience!
Pass the eggnog—and the tissues—because it's Christmas time again. That means many sufferers of allergic rhinitis are going through a special round of allergy issues that come along with the season. If you seem to spend more time opening boxes of allergy pills than you do opening presents each year, this information may help you get those allergies under control.
Do you need to change your filter and clean your air ducts?
Usually, the uptick in your allergies comes from a combination of issues, starting with the fact that you've closed up the house for the winter and turned on the heater. A dirty filter or one that just doesn't cut down on the amount of allergens that are getting pushed through your air vents can be part of the problem. Air filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale that you can use to cut down on the number of allergens that are getting blown into your home. While they're more expensive than lower-numbered MERV filters, experts recommend a filter with MERV 11 or higher if you suffer from allergies.
Should you cut the greenery and gift the poinsettia to somebody else?
While a lot of people love the smell of fresh pine and the look of poinsettias during the holidays, they can be a source of major problems for allergy sufferers. If you have developed a sensitivity to latex, you should know that poinsettias are in the same family as the rubber tree. Live trees and fresh pine boughs can be a source of mold and need to be washed off and left to dry before being brought into the house. Even then, if you find yourself itching, rashing, or sneezing when you get near the stuff, you may have an allergy to pine sap—which means that you're better off switching to artificial decor.
Did you remember to dust the halls before you decked them?
One of the chief culprits behind the increased attacks of allergic rhinitis is simply ordinary dust. It gets difficult to dust around a lot of holiday ornamentation, which means that your normal cleaning schedule may be interrupted. You can help keep dust at bay by delaying your decorating a little and giving the house a good wipe down with your usual cleaning products just prior to putting out the decorations. Then, take the decor down as soon as the season is over so that you aren't playing host to more hidden dust.
The decorations themselves can also be a problem. Depending on where they were stored throughout the year and what condition they're in, they could be adding to your problem. If you have an artificial tree, it may need to be shaken down or wiped clean outside before being put up inside. Figurines like nutcrackers, Santas, and angels may have gotten dusty over the year and need special cleaning before you put them out.
Have you talked with your allergist or family physician?
Finally, consider making an appointment with your regular medical care provider or allergist to go over your medications. You may need to increase your dosage or add in a nasal spray that will help control your symptoms during the season—especially if you plan to visit other people's homes where you can't quite control your exposure to potential allergens. For more information, contact local professionals like Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center PS.
Share