An immune system that overreacts to an airborne substance when everyone else is fine is an allergic reaction. The biggest factors are pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores.

Increased pollen counts and higher temperatures are contributing to longer and more severe allergy seasons. More people than ever are now experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms. But because allergy symptoms are so similar to the common cold, many just assume it’s a cold.

The best way to tell the difference between allergies and a cold is whether or not you have a fever. If you’ve been feeling unwell for 7 days or longer without a fever, you are probably suffering from seasonal allergies.

Doctors typically prescribe medication(s) and/or injections to alleviate allergy symptoms, but the good news is that there are a lot of things you can do at home to relieve seasonal allergies without medication.

The number one and best way to control allergies without medication is to avoid the irritants altogether, but that’s not always possible – or realistic. Many allergens like pollen are tiny, which means they can travel far and wide, covering many surfaces including our skin and hair.

If you don’t have severe allergy symptoms that require medication or want to try these in addition to medication, here are some things you can do to alleviate symptoms.

1. Shut out breezes
It may be a gorgeous day, but if the pollen count is high, keep the windows and doors closed to protect your indoor air. Turn on the air conditioning if needed, especially when the pollen count is high. This will help lower your exposure to irritants. You should also install a HEPA filter on your air-conditioning system and a flat or panel filter on your furnace. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is a mechanical filter that works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles like pollen, pet dander, dust mites and tobacco smoke. Replace HEPA filters monthly for best results.

2. Wear a mask
It’ll keep allergens from getting into your airways when you can’t avoid certain allergy triggers, like when you work in your yard or vacuum. An N95 respirator mask (available at most drug stores, medical supply stores and home improvement retailers) will block 95% of small particles that cause seasonal allergies.

3. Wash up
Each time you walk into your home, you bring small pieces of the outside world with you. Your clothes, shoes, hair, and skin are covered with tiny particles from everywhere you’ve been. Remove outer layers and shoes before entering your home. Take a shower and change your clothes to wash away allergens. Put your clothes in the washing machine. This may seem excessive, but it may help you get through allergy season with less aggravating symptoms if you make it a habit.

4. Keep it clean and natural
A clean home is one of the best ways to avoid indoor allergens. But harsh chemicals can irritate your nasal passages and aggravate your symptoms. So make natural cleaners with everyday ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to trap allergens. Wear a mask when cleaning and if your allergies are severe, arrange for someone else do the cleaning.

5. Avoid smoke and fumes
Cigarette and smoke from wood-burning fireplaces can worsen your runny, itchy, stuffy nose and watery eyes. Choose smoke-free restaurants, nightclubs, and hotel rooms. Other fumes can make your symptoms worse, too, like aerosol sprays and smoke.

6. Eat healthy
Add some fresh fruit and vegetables to every meal to help boost antioxidants and vitamin C levels and reduce inflammation. These will both provide some allergy relief.

7. Try probiotics
Probiotics may help reduce allergy symptoms when taken during allergy season. Some strains of beneficial bacteria have been shown to regulate t-cells (the soldiers of your immune system), which can help produce a stronger immune response to allergens.

8. Take vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by reducing the amount of histamine your body produces in response to an allergen. The recommended dose is 2,000 milligrams per day which might help reduce mild symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

9. Stay hydrated
If you feel stuffy or have postnasal drip from your allergies, sip more water, juice, or other nonalcoholic drinks. The extra liquid can thin the mucus in your nasal passages and give you some relief. Warm fluids like teas, broth, or soup have an added benefit: steam. Water, sugar-free juice and other nonalcoholic beverages can thin mucus in your nasal passages and help you find relief.

10. Use saline nasal irrigation
A nasal rinse clears mucus from your nose and can ease allergy symptoms. It also can whisk away bacteria and thin mucus and cut down on postnasal drip.

11. Do steam treatments
This simple trick can ease a stuffy nose and help you breathe easier. Hold your head over a bowl or sink full of warm/hot water and place a towel over your head to trap the steam. Or, sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running. This is an easy and effective way to ease a stubborn, stuffy nose and help you breathe easier.

12. Consider acupuncture and other alternative treatments
The ancient practice of acupuncture may bring some relief. The way acupuncture affects nasal allergies is still unclear but a few studies show that it may help. Ask your doctor if it would be a good thing for you to try.

Butterbur, a type of marsh plant that's long been used for medicinal purposes, is one of the most promising and well-researched options. Some studies suggest that a butterbur extract called Ze 339 may work as well as antihistamine medicines. Other studies show that plant-based Phleum pratense and pycnogenol may be helpful, too.

13. Know your triggers
You may think you know what the problem is. But are you sure? Make an appointment with an allergist for an allergy skin test to pinpoint your triggers. Then you can make a plan to avoid them.

Bliss on Broadway is pleased to offer a peaceful respite for some well-deserved self care. We offer a full range of massage and skin care services. Call us at 562-439-4333 or visit www.blissonbroadway.com.