worse very quickly and that is a real threat to health,” Corry shares. “Remain indoors shortly after thunderstorms, and if your house has been flooded, or has water damage of any kind, repair it immediately to avoid mold growth.”
RELATED: How To Allergy-Proof Your Home
What to do if you have allergies
If you are someone who lives with allergies, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to keep the allergens outside of your home.
One way to do this is by showering once you get home. Showering after having been outdoors can help wash small particles from your hair and skin. You should also wash the clothes you wore outside.
For those that may need treatments, you have several options.
Depending on your allergy severity, Corry suggests a variety of treatments.
Mild to moderate symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter non-drowsy antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra). These can be used in combination with nasal steroids.
Nose rinses drain nasal passageways with a saline solution. See your physician for prescribed inhaled steroids or other types of medication to treat symptoms if over-the-counter solutions are not enough.
Additionally, allergen immunotherapy, in which patients receive weekly injections of low-dose allergens they’re sensitive to, can help build an immune response to the allergen, Corry advises.
Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence. With these tips and a little preparation, you can still live your best life with allergies or asthma.