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Allergy Season Survival Kit
What's your poison? Ragweed, mold, tree pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or some combination of some--if not all--of these common allergens. Whether it's the runny nose; the sinus headaches; the itchy, watery eyes; or the cacophony of sneezes that plague you, seasonal allergies can make your life miserable! While we can't prevent your allergies, we can help you lessen their symptoms with the following checklist of supplies to have on hand.

ESSENTIALS:

First Aid Supplies:

Sting kit
For treating bee stings and bug bites

EpiPen
For treating anaphylactic reactions (severe allergic reactions like swelling of the throat and tongue, or racing heart beat) to allergens. Small enough to pack away in your first aid kit, or in your suitcase while you travel.

Tea tree oil
This essential oil has antiseptic properties, and when diluted is good for swabbing insect stings or bites.

Medicines:

Acetaminophen
Ideal for treating headaches brought on by sinusitis

Antihistamine
Over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl help to reduce watery, itchy eyes and runny noses as well as alleviate the swelling of stings and bites--they may, however, cause drowsiness. Check with your physician for one of the newer, non-drowsy antihistamine medications like Claritin or Allegra.

Decongestant
Relieves nasal congestion and pressure so you can breathe easier

Eye drops
You want a brand that will not only cure redness, but that will also relieve the itch and burn brought on by allergies. Try Similasan Homeopathic Drops for Allergies, they won't overdry your eyes.

Nasal spray
Moisturize your irritated nose while loosening mucus secretions with a saline-based nasal spray. Avoid decongestant nasal sprays which can be drying to the nose.

Home Supplies:

Pillow encasement and mattress pad covers
Dust mites are very common allergens and they thrive in places like your bedding and carpeting. These durable covers can help to protect you and your family.

HEPA Air filter
Reduces airborne allergens and asthma triggers in your home. Keep it clean and change filters regularly for maximum results.

De-humidifier
If you live in a damp environment and are allergic to mold or mildew, this will help keep the air dry--which will keep mold and mildew at bay.

Peak air flow meter
Help the asthmatic in your household monitor his respiratory capacity and stop an attack before it starts--especially on days when pollen counts are high.

ADDED EXTRAS:

Stinging nettle
Teas or tinctures made from this leafy herb have a tonic affect which can help reduce symptoms of hayfever.

Vitamin C
During allergy season you may want to increase your intake of this natural antihistamine and immune system booster. Take ester-C, which is easier to absorb and not too hard on the stomach.

Eye pack
Twenty minutes with this warm pack over your eyes can help alleviate the pain and pressure of sinus congestion brought on by your allergies (when this pack is cold it's the perfect cure for tension headaches).

Nasal strips
These can help you breathe easier --without snoring--when you have nasal congestion due to allergies.

HEALTH TIPS:

Keep pets outdoors during warmer months.
Pet dander is a very common allergen and asthma trigger. Pets should be confined to non-living areas at all other times, and if your child suffers from allergies or asthma, she should not be allowed to sleep with the family pet.

Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting.
Mold, mildew and mites can grow in the padding used underneath carpeting, especially if you clean your rugs regularly and the padding doesn't dry thoroughly.

Wash all bedding in hot water.

Dry mop and dust weekly.

Invest in an air conditioner.
While this may be a pricey investment for some, if you or your child suffers from severe allergies, it's best to keep the windows closed during warmer months to keep pollen and other allergens outdoors.

Stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
During peak allergy season, most news stations include pollen counts in their weather reports.
Check out our other lists:

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