successful allergy strategies...

[bettythebear]

And get the most expensive filters you can find for your furnace/AC..  and a good ionizing air purifier (not cheap) will help too.  These solutions can actually make you more sensitive when you go out in the real word though as you will not be exposed to the allergens in your home any more.  
I use hepa-filters and ionizers at home and in my car, but more for pet odors than allergens.  They make a HUGE difference.

Make sure your hvac system is rated to handle the fancy filters. If not, it can cause problems down the line.

[Triple Jim]

That turned out to be quercetin, a bioflavonoid?  flavonoid anyway?  flavonol?

Very intersting... I've been taking lemon bioflavonoids for a few years to reduce symptoms of Meniere's disease (inner ear problem).  I've also noticed that I have had much less trouble in the pollen season, but didn't know about a connection.  I need to read more, but an article on the NIH web site confirms that at least some bilflavonoids reduce histamine reactions.

[Dilliw]

Allergies are a part of life in SC.  I've had my nose plumbed and tried all sorts of stuff but I'm down to just a generic zyrtec a day everyday with or without symptoms.  The good news is you can get a year's supply at Sam's for about $20.

Whatever that doesn't take care of I just live with.

[wrbix]

Allergies are a part of life in SC. 

True that!

But really, have you tried NasalCrom? -  makes my life in Chester in the Spring bearable - allergies and RedState-ism would just be too much to bear.  ~;

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Flonase over the counter has been a revelation for me!  But LD you can't use it intermittently, it has to be used daily as directed and takes a couple weeks to really hit full effectiveness


If you use honey, it needs to be local unprocessed honey from bees who are harvesting from the same local flora that is causing your allergies, again that it not an overnight thing, I think you need to eat honey daily to see an (if any) improvement

[Triple Jim]

Here's a report on the NIH site, of a study done at the University of Connecticut, on honey for reduction of allergy symptoms:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11868925

[Dilliw]

True that!

But really, have you tried NasalCrom? -  makes my life in Chester in the Spring bearable - allergies and RedState-ism would just be too much to bear.  ~;

Not yet I guess because I hated all those steroid sprays.  I'll check it.

Chester?  I'm over in Rock Hill.  We'll have to meet at Vinny's one night for an Italian bike night!

[wrbix]

Vinny's is only about 2mi from my house - but never have eaten there - seems the gradual transition from a gas station to a restaurant has been off putting to me.  ??? :food

[rastoga]

Start taking a mast cell stabilizer (sprays, drops, aerosols, or pills) a few days before your allergen exposure or season.  You can also combine this with antihistamines and steroid sprays/drops.  Talk to your doctor.  Careful you don't wash away your meds with the irrigation you are doing. 

Consider wearing a mask and goggles while you ride.   I wear 7eye goggles and a full face helmet during my allergen season.