Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether or not allergic symptoms are due to the common cold or allergy triggers like pet dander and pollen. The first step to finding out if you have any allergies is getting an allergy test. Find out more about dealing with allergies with these tips.

Monitor pollen forecasts and plan accordingly. If you have access to the internet, many of the popular weather forecasting sites have a section dedicated to allergy forecasts including both air quality and pollen counts. On days when the count is going to be high, keep your windows closed and limit your time outdoors.

Allergies from pollen are stronger in the morning and the evening, so if you suffer from nagging allergies, try to remember to keep your windows closed during these times of the day. As enjoyable as the fresh air may be, it will cause you to be miserable from the impact of your allergies.

Whenever possible, choose tile, linoleum, or hardwood floors over carpeting. Even with regular vacuuming, carpet traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and many other common allergens. Solid floor types are easier to keep clean and allergen-free. If you prefer the soft feeling of carpet, rugs can be used. Area rugs trap less irritants, are easier to keep clean, and less expensive to replace.

Many people try to reduce cooling costs by opening windows on pleasant days. However, this could lead to allergy flare-ups. A better option is to use a HEPA filter in your air-conditioning unit; this drastically reduces the amount of indoor allergens. The filter will help your breathing, even though it may not seem fresh.

Be sure to wash your hair immediately when you get inside, if you suffer from allergies and there was pollen outside. You do not want to allow the pollen to stay in your hair for too long, as this can trigger your allergy symptoms. It is best to wash your hair twice.

Don’t lose hope if every allergy treatment you have tried has not worked. While you have probably already tried basic orally-administered allergy medication, there are plenty of other anti-allergy weapons in the arsenal. For instance, try over-the-counter nasal sprays and eye drops for allergy eyes or even prescription alternatives, such as leukotriene blockers and nasal steroids.

People who suffer from food allergies are generally the ones who need to be the most careful. While other types of allergies can be annoying, food allergies tend to be the most fatal. This is especially true of people who suffer from allergies to shellfish or nuts, such as shrimp or hazelnut.

Consider removing carpeting from your home, and going with wood or laminate flooring. Carpet allows dust mites to build up, and this can irritate allergies. If possible, remove the carpeting from your home, and replace it with laminate or wood flooring. Thiss prevents extra build of of allergens in your home.

As said in the beginning of the article, it’s easier to deal with your allergic symptoms if you know what causes them. Avoiding your triggers as much as possible can reduce the itchy throat and runny nose that commonly come from these triggers. Remember the tips in this article to deal with allergies effectively.