1. Sensitive to pollen? Wash your hair before bedtime. Reason: You’ll remove any pollen and keep it from settling on pillows and bedding. Also: Avoid irritants such as tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, hair spray and perfume; wash your hands frequently; plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are low.

2. The best time to take an antihistamine, which helps block allergic reactions, is before symptoms start. Just remember: some allergy medications can cause sleepiness so never take one when safety requires you to be alert. Suggestion: Ask your health care provider about antihistamines that cause less drowsiness.

3. Dust mites love to nest in area rugs and make you sneeze and itch. If you’re allergic, researchers offer a simple solution: Place area rugs outdoors in direct sunlight for a few hours until they become warm and dry. Result: Mites dry up and die.

4. Moving to another location is no guarantee of allergy relief. Why: People usually develop allergies to their new region’s pollens and molds within a few years of moving. Plus: Most allergy-provoking grasses are widespread throughout the world.

5. As many as 20% of Americans believe they have a food allergy, but true food allergies are actually rare. What most people consider food allergies are usually signs of digestive problems, food poisoning or stress.

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