Fall is in the air. And allergy-sufferers know what that means: sniffling, sneezing and itchy, puffy eyes. Yep, allergy season has arrived, and this year, it brings with it some disheartening news: Due to increased rainfall and warmer temperatures, this year’s fall allergy season is projected to last longer than usual. Thankfully, though, you don’t have to sit and sniffle helplessly. Ward off allergy symptoms by arming yourself with one of these eight great allergy solutions.
1. Pollen.com Allergy Email Alerts, FREE
Staying aware of current allergy levels can help you decide which preventive measures you need to take. Pollen.com sends you a two-day weather forecast when moderate allergy conditions are expected, allowing you to prepare for increased pollen levels. BONUS: The service is totally free!
2. All Free Clear detergent, prices vary
Fall pollen, pet dander and dust mites stick to clothing, causing another source of allergic irritants. Washing your clothes frequently, especially when you’ve spent time outdoors, can help prevent additional allergens from remaining in your clothing. This detergent is fragrance-free, made for sensitive skin and provides an easy solution for removing allergens from your clothing.
3. Butterbur, $10-$30, Amazon.com
If you’re seeking a more natural remedy for allergy relief, butterbur extract is a great go-to. An herb, butterbur has long been used as a treatment for hay fever. According to European studies, it is just as effective as Zyrtec and Allegra to treat allergy symptoms like itchy eyes but without the drowsiness. You can purchase butterbur in pill form at health stores or Amazon.com.
4. Zetonna Nasal Aerosol spray
Nasal sprays are commonly used for allergy relief, but many people opt due to the way the spray can drip down the back of the throat and cause nausea . There’s a newer option, though, that provides relief without the drip. Zetonna is a pressurized mist, not a wet spray, so it stays where it’s sprayed.
RELATED: Summer Allergy Symptoms
5. Honeywell True HEPA Compact Tower, $76.09
Air purifiers remove allergens to make living spaces more comfortable. The True HEPA Compact Tower Air Purifier filters an area of up to 85 square feet without taking up much floor space. It’s a perfect solution for high-traffic home areas, office spaces and college dorm rooms.
6) La Cross Primaloft Blanket and Throw, $69.00
Stave off the fall chill by adding a hypoallergenic throw like the one from LaCross Primaloft, which prevents allergens like dog hair and dust mites from attaching to your bedding. It includes a lifetime guarantee, comes in a variety of colors and you can even add a monogram.
7. Pureguardian H7550 Ultrasonic Humidifier, $149.99
If you prefer a low-maintenance approach to allergy management, try the pureguardian h7550 Ultrasonic Humidifier, a quiet, attractive and compact unit that fits perfectly in the tightest of spaces. Unlike other large, clunky humidifiers, this minimally designed product is almost silent, so it is less noticeable in a small room. It uses monitoring technology to sense the humidity in the air and provide warm or cool mists depending on humidity levels, effectively preventing mold and mildew growth.
8. Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-puffing Eye Massage, $28
If you wake up in the morning, eyes crusted shut and looking like you lost in the final round to Rocky, Clinique to the rescue! Rejuvenate your eyes with Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage. It not only de-puffs unsightly under-eye bags, but also reduces the look of dark circles that allergies can cause. So even at the height of allergy season, you can still look like your same beautiful self!
