Skip the Runny Nose and Itchy Eyes: How to Avoid Allergies Without Going to the Doctor

Scratchy throat, stuffed sinuses, and watery eyes. If that sounds familiar, you may have been tempted to try a DIY treatment for those seasonal allergy symptoms. There are some familiar and some offbeat ideas out there, but not all work well.

Some 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. What ’ s more, this year ’ s severe winter weather patterns (with a dose of climate change, in general) have made allergy conditions in many areas worse than usual. Pollen counts in the Chicago area for example have been reported to be the highest in 20 years. Fortunately, when it comes to treating seasonal allergies on your own, you ’ ve got options. We looked into the latest in DIY allergy cures, and checked with an expert to see which might be worth a try, and which to skip.

So skip the ibuprofen and consider picking up a surfboard. Your sinuses may thank you.

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