Unfortunately, many of us suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergy symptoms can cause we as adults to miss days at work or make us unproductive there. For children, school days are missed due to these ailments. The first thing you should do, if you don't know already, is investigate and determine what is causing your allergies. Make note of the time of year and the things you are exposed to that seem to trigger your symptoms and share the notes with your doctor or allergist. When they are determined, do your best to avoid the causes, if at all possible. For instance, if it is proven that you are allergic to your pet, maybe a new home for him/her is the solution. Sometimes when simply washing your hands after petting/grooming them doesn't control your symptoms, a more suitable home for them will make a more suitable home for you.

Symptoms range from, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, stuffy ears, scratchy throats, sneezing to coughing, all of which are miserable when not controlled. There are many medications available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Sometimes, however, they don't always work, and sometimes are not the best option available for the allergy sufferer.

I am a mother of three young girls who have inherited their allergies from their father, whom had to have injections weekly to control his allergies. Thankfully, theirs has not developed to that point. Here are some things that, for some people, help control symptoms. Removing carpet and going with bare floors reduces allergens. Sometimes it takes some getting used to, but throw rugs can help to keep your feet from hitting a cold floor in the morning. Throw rugs, bed linens and curtains should be put through a hot water wash at least weekly to kill mites. Also, plastic coverings on pillows, mattresses, and box springs should be used. These keep mites from settling and invading us in our sleep.

A vacuum with a HEPA filter is best to use regularly to control allergens indoors. For children, stuffed animals can be put in zipper storage bags and put in the freezer overnight to control mites.

When you are hit with allergy symptoms, here are some things you can try to alleviate them. Spicy foods can thin mucous and clear nasal passages, saline nasal rinses are available over-the-counter and are sworn to be effective by most people who have tried them. Over-the-counter drugs like Claritin and Zyrtec are available both with and without decongestants. When none of these things are helpful or little improvement is noticed, your doctor can help you decide the next step in your journey in overcoming your allergy symptoms.