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The most effective way of controlling allergy symptoms is avoidance. By controlling the environment and minimizing exposure to known allergens, an individual can greatly limit the number and severity of allergic reactions. While this treatment method is not easy, there are several basic steps that can prevent contact with the pollens or molds that trigger allergic rhinitis. These steps include:

• Stay indoors as much as possible during the pollen season (high pollen counts), and windy and humid days
  
  
• During allergy season, try to keep windows and doors closed at home and in the car
  
  
• Use air conditioning in the home and car, which cleans and dries out the air
  
  
• Use an air filter that can remove allergens from the air, such as HEPA filters
  
  
• Use a dehumidifier to prevent the growth of mold by reducing humidity
  
  
• Avoid yard work that could stir up pollen and molds – such as mowing the lawn or raking leaves
  
  
• Avoid early morning outdoor activities, when pollen counts are typically higher
  
  
• Avoid hanging laundry outdoors to dry because pollens can collect on fabrics
  
  
• Wash pets frequently to minimize the amount of allergens on their skin and coats
  
  
• Shower frequently to wash airborne allergens from hair and skin

Other steps may be necessary for those individuals who are susceptible to specific types of allergen triggers. For instance, people allergic to dust mites should place dust-proof encasements on pillows, mattresses and box springs to take care of any moisture problems in the house. People allergic to their pets should remove the animals from the house, if possible, or at least keep the animals out of the bedroom.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may also be recommended as a prevention method. The treatment involves exposing an individual, through an injection, to a small dose of an allergen for allergic rhinitis. By repeating this process several times over a period of weeks, months or years, a physician can gradually reduce a person’s sensitivity to a particular allergen. The success of this treatment varies from individual to individual. Allergy shots are typically used when a person is not receptive to other forms of treatment, or the allergy is not adequately controlled by other methods.

Moving to another location to avoid seasonal allergies is usually not worth the trouble involved. While pollen levels can be particularly bad in some areas, ragweed pollen (which is a trigger for most people with allergic rhinitis) is found throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Many times, a person will move to escape one type of airborne allergen (e.g., ragweed pollen), only to develop a sensitivity to a different type of allergen (e.g., grass pollen) in the new location.