The common cold and allergies have a lot in common! They both cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing. However, the former goes away within two weeks, while the latter can be present for months at a time. Read this article for some inexpensive and easy ways to manage allergies.

Test out allergy medicine at home before going anywhere. Many of them contain ingredients that can make you drowsy or impair your reflexes. Even when there is no severe warning listed on the label, take the initial dose whey you are in the comfort of your own home and do not need to operate a vehicle or anything else potentially hazardous if you become drowsy.

Before you make plans to spend a day outdoors, visit the AAAAI National Allergy Bureau’s website and enter your zip code to find up-to-date information on daily mold and pollen counts. This is also a very useful resource for choosing a destination for your next vacation. It’s difficult to enjoy yourself when you’re battling allergies.

When traveling in a car, use the air conditioning, and keep the windows closed. This will help seal the allergens out of your car if you need to travel during allergy season. Make sure you set your air conditioner on its recirculate setting, so that you are not bringing in outside air. Aim the vents so they do not blow into your face.

Before cementing your plans to spend time in the great outdoors, check the forecast for your location. If the forecast includes high winds, it may be best to reschedule. Windy weather is notorious for stirring up spores and pollen, which could make it difficult to breathe easily while camping, hiking or getting back to nature.

If you suffer from any allergies, be sure to keep air-filters and air ducts clean throughout the year. They will harbor allergy inducing particles like pollen, and may recirculate them in your breathing air. A few times a year, take them out and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Take a shower and wash your hair before you go to bed. Pollen gathers on the skin and in your hair. This can cause allergy symptoms while you sleep. Simply wash quickly, and you will find you feel much better.

Watch your local weather forecast to see if pollen is high for that day. If it is, it’s best that you minimize your time spent outdoors. If you do want to go outdoors, make sure it’s not between the hours of 5 and 10 A.M. This is the time when pollen is high.

Stay hydrated as part of your bronchial allergy treatment. When you become dehydrated, your mucous membranes get dry and irritated and by extension are more vulnerable to allergens. Lack of sufficient hydration also affects the bronchial tubes by causing your mucosal glands to produce secretions that are difficult to break-up.

Instead of going around in a fog from drowsy antihistamines or staying inside during seasonal changes, learn about your options and take control of your allergies! Avoid the dirty looks you get after sneezing in public by dealing with them once and for all. Remember these tips so you can live with ease.