As those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies know, springtime can be a nightmare filled with sneezing, congestion, rashes and more. But severe allergies can lead to more serious complications, including asthma, bronchitis, sinus infection, and other illnesses.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to lessen your allergic response, but first you must understand the way allergies affect your body. We'll use the analogy of a bucket (your body and immune system) being filled with water (allergens). Exposure to one allergic trigger, such as pet dander, may cause little to no noticeable symptoms. Add household dust and you begin to sneeze. The bucket is slowly but surely filling. Add tree pollen to the equation and fatigue sets in. Now add other factors, like unknown food sensitivities, mold growing under the kitchen sink, and skin allergies to nickel and copper, and you're in the throes of full-blown allergy attack. The bucket has officially overflowed, my friend.

So what can be done to lessen your suffering during this time of year when outdoor allergens are at an all-time high? Here are some tips to help drain the bucket:

1. Control what goes into your body. This means food allergies and sensitivities, which may be somewhat elusive because they often show up as late-phase reactions days later. It is helpful to have a food sensitivity test done to determine which foods you're reacting to (and nearly everyone reacts to at least one food.) The ELISA test is pretty accurate, but there are others as well. Talk to your doctor, chiropractor, or immunologist about having one of these tests done. That way, you can make an informed decision about just how much (if any) of these substances your body can handle at a given time.

2. Keep indoor triggers to a minimum. In other words, do some serious spring cleaning and follow up with weekly maintenance. Dusting with a wet rag, vacuuming frequently, and keeping humidity to a minimum using a dehumidifier (see below) can help decrease allergens like dust, pet dander, mold spores, and indoor pollen brought in from outdoors. Wash bedding in hot water once every two weeks, wash all clothes after coming in the house, and shampoo hair every night before getting into bed to avoid bringing in pollen from outdoors. Keep windows in the house and car closed and use the air conditioner or fans instead.

3. Avoid allergens when possible. This is the only way to truly prevent your symptoms from escalating. Keep an eye on allergy conditions in your area and avoid going outdoors in the early morning hours to prevent unnecessary exposure to pollen, which is usually worst during this time. Eat healthy foods to which you aren't sensitive/allergic, and keep your house (and most importantly, your bedroom) clean and free of known irritants like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and pungent cleaning agents like bleach, which can also make you feel worse when battling allergies. Washing nasal passages frequently with a neti pot (see below) is highly recommended, as this keeps the nose and sinuses clear of inhaled allergens.

4. Fight allergies from within. Whether it's taking nutritional supplements, which we all need anyway, using prescription or OTC medications, homeopathic treatments, or other such methods, educate yourself on which treatments are right for your symptoms and follow the regimen closely. It does no good to stock up on every product on the market and mix them together like a witch's brew, and may in fact be harmful, if the product isn't suited to your needs. Learn the effects of antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, vitamins, minerals, immunotherapy, homeopathy, and related treatments by doing a little research on the web. You'll save yourself time, money, and the disappointment of failed treatments in the long run.

Managing allergies can be a full-time job, but once you know your triggers and how to avoid them/lessen their effect on your body, you can begin to make some headway in the battle for good health and vitality.

(The products featured below may help you fight allergic symptoms this season and are highly recommended based on your specific needs. Remember to talk to a health professional before trying any new treatment for your allergies.)