Runny nose

 Red, swollen, itchy or watery eyes

 Itching in the roof of the mouth

 Cough or wheezing

 Headaches

 Burning or scratchy throat

 Skin rashes or hives

Allergy symptoms occur when the body’s defense mechanism mistakes something such as mold, dust, mites, and pollens for something harmful. Symptoms can be controlled with treatments that relieve their effects.

 Track the daily pollen count and spend times outside when it is lowest (usually in the early morning and late afternoon).

 Keep windows closed and use air conditioning in the house and while driving in the car to keep pollen out.

 Control dust. Dust contains many allergens, pollen, mold, mites, and animal dander.

 Stay away from furry pets as much as possible or at least keep them out of your bedroom.

 Control humidity indoors. Install a dehumidifier if necessary.

 Install an air purification system in your home like a HEPA filter.

 Plan ahead and take allergy medication before allergies symptoms become severe.

 Avoid smoke from cigarettes, wood fires, and smoke-filled environments.

 Avoid allergens. See Methods of Prevention above.

 If you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

 If you experience a sensation of the throat tightening or closing

 If you develop a rash or generalized itching/swelling

 If you develop signs of infection such as fever, discolored nasal discharge, headache, or muscle aches

 If over-the-counter medications fail to relieve your symptoms

 To ask if allergy shots are a choice of treatment for you

 To track the daily pollen count in your area: www.pollen.com

 To access the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of American: www.aafa.org

 To track the grass pollen, weed pollen, and tree pollen and mold spores, check out www.cnn.com/WEATHER/allergy

 To access the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease: www.niaid.nih.gov/default.htm