January 9, 2020
New Year, Renewed Focus on Allergies and Asthma
Think it’s too late to set 2020 goals? Think again!
It’s never too late to take stock of your health and resolve to do better. When it comes to asthma and allergies, just a little extra effort can go a long way toward improving your quality of life. Here are some important steps you can take:
Exercise
If exercise was already on your New Year’s resolution list to improve your health or manage your weight, double down on that goal because regular exercise has proven beneficial in managing allergies and asthma. Working out (even at a relatively low intensity) improves blood flow, which helps move and quickly eliminate the allergens that can drag you down. Listen to your body and take care not to overdo it because that can actually exacerbate your allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, keep an eye on pollen and mold forecasts, and consider indoor exercise during your peak seasons. Asthma patients should carefully select activities that aren’t too taxing on the lungs.
Relax
This is easier said than done in our fast-paced world, but you’re worth it! When you experience stress, the body releases high levels of histamines that can intensify and prolong frustrating allergy symptoms. Many asthma patients report stress as a trigger for flare-ups. Also keep in mind that being under stress magnifies everything that’s going wrong, so even mild symptoms can feel much worse when you’re battling stress.
Check out deep breathing and meditation apps that can put calming activities right at your fingertips. Prioritize hobbies that make you happy. Ensure you get enough sleep, especially during stressful times. Another reason to exercise regularly (as if you needed one)? Stress relief.
Clean
Save the closet clean-outs for another day. Now’s the perfect time to commit to reducing the allergens that enter your home and wreak havoc on your family’s health. Pollen and dust must be eliminated! Curtains and blinds love to hide these floating particles, so clean them often. Regularly vacuuming carpet and all upholstered furniture will also help keep those pesky allergens at bay. Purchase a HEPA air purifier that can eradicate most airborne allergens and help you breathe easier in your own home.
See an Allergist!
If you’ve been putting off that allergy testing appointment, call an allergist and get it on the calendar today! An allergist will help you pinpoint your triggers and craft a plan to win the war with allergies. If you already know what jump starts your allergies but are struggling to control symptoms, your allergist can help you with a new plan that may involve tweaking medicine, taking further steps to avoid triggers, and even starting immunotherapy if that’s a fit for your situation. Remember that allergists are asthma specialists too, so schedule an appointment right now if your asthma is not well-controlled or you need a new action plan.
There’s no time like the present to improve your health. 2020 just may be the year you get control of your allergies or asthma for good. Cheers to that!
