5 ways you're making your allergies worse

STONEHAM, Mass. — Even though the rain is washing the pollen away, allergy sufferers are in for a tough few months as pollen levels are already high.

To make matters worse, Dr. Kristina Orio with AFC Urgent Care in Stoneham says you could be aggravating your allergies without even knowing it by doing five common things.

DRINKING ALCOHOL

Orio says having a glass of wine or beer could flare up your allergies.

She says there are yeasts in the alcohol that can release histamines that cause itchy eye and scratchy throats.

She recommends backing off the alcohol if you notice it makes your allergies worse.

THE WAY YOU MAKE YOUR BED

Orio told FOX25 the way you make your bed can inflame your spring allergies.

“The tighter you make your bed, the more the dust mites can grow and thrive. So it's actually better to leave your sheets loose, so that they can air out," Orio said.

WEARING CONTACT LENSES

Orio says contact lenses can trap pollen and impact red, itchy eyes.

USING A DISHWASHER

A Swedish study found children who ate from hand washed dishes developed fewer allergies than those who ate from dishes washed in a dishwasher. The study revealed automated dishwashers kill so much bacteria that children cannot build up an immunity.

EATING SOME FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Orio says some fruits and vegetables can cross react with ragweed, and some patients may find they have an itchy mouth or throat after eating.

The common fruits and veggies that can trigger an allergy attack:

• Melons
• Bananas
• Tomatoes

SEEKING RELIEF

In addition to allergy medicines, Orio suggests changing your shower routine to help.

"You should shower at night to try to get rid of that pollen that is on your hair and skin, and that may help alleviate your symptoms," Orio said.

Orio says to seek a doctor if you are having trouble breathing or if you are concerned about your symptoms. Doctors will be able to run tests to know exactly what you're dealing with.

Cox Media Group