Seasonal Allergy Relief: Home Remedies & Over-the-Counter Meds
Nobody wants their life to be miserable. Allergy often causes discomfort and disrupts the quality of life of the sufferer. Find out the best ways to manage allergy symptoms naturally or the over-the-counter drugs that are readily available.
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, occur when the immune system overreacts to tiny pollen particles released into the air by trees, grasses, and weeds. These allergies can have an almost immediate reaction or may take days or weeks to develop, depending on an individual’s level of resistance. It is often caused by substances released during specific seasons such as spring, summer, and fall, for example, many people experience allergies due to pollen released during spring.
Normally, pollen is not a substance that can cause harm to anyone, but for those suffering from seasonal allergies, pollen can be the primary trigger for their symptoms. Hay fever symptoms may include:
- runny nose,
- sneezing,
- itchy nose
- and red, watery eyes,
However, in countries without distinct seasonal changes, individuals can still experience hay fever due to other allergens. Common triggers for hay fever in such regions include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and certain indoor allergens.
By understanding the causes of allergies in different seasons, individuals can manage their allergies and reduce their symptoms. Luckily, there are various options for alleviating these symptoms either through natural allergy remedies or medication prescribed by professionals. This article will explore the remedies to relieve these symptoms.
Antihistamines
The initial and commonly recommended for allergy treatments is antihistamine. It is easily accessible over the counter or with a prescription from a healthcare professional. The medication can quickly reduce rash and nasal congestion as well as hay fever allergy symptoms.
There are numerous types of antihistamines for allergies available that can be found conveniently in pharmacies, such as :
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine),
- Claritin (Loratadine),
- Chlorpheniramine (Piriton), and others.
Antihistamines are further classified into two distinct groups: those that may be taken daily without inducing tiredness or drowsiness (such as Zyrtec and Loratadine) and those that can only be taken at night and should not be taken while driving (Chlorpheniramine). Patients are advised to refer to a pharmacist to determine the appropriate medication for their specific needs as individual responses may vary.
Saline Nasal Rinse
The simplest approach to perform nasal saline is to use a cleaning tool like a neti pot or irrigation kit and saline solution, which can be purchased in drugstores. By pouring saline solution into the nostrils, you can flush out mucus and allergens that create a congested nose. Perform this routine twice daily, in the morning and before bed. However, not everyone is suitable to perform nasal rinse. Individuals with an ear infection, those experiencing pressure in one or both ears, individuals with completely blocked nostrils, or those who have undergone ear surgery or sinus procedures should avoid attempting nasal rinse due to the potential risks associated with these conditions.
Here’s why:
1.
Ear Infection: Nasal rinse can potentially introduce bacteria or irritants into the ear canal, especially if there is a pre-existing ear infection. This may worsen the infection or lead to complications.
2.
Pressure in the Ears: Individuals experiencing pressure in one or both ears may have issues with the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. Nasal rinse may affect this delicate balance and exacerbate ear pressure.
3.
Completely Blocked Nostrils: If nostrils are completely blocked, it may be challenging to properly perform nasal irrigation. The solution may not flow through the nasal passages as intended, and attempting nasal irrigation in this situation could cause discomfort or further complications.
4.
Previous Ear Surgery: People who have undergone ear surgery may have altered anatomy or delicate healing tissues that could be disturbed by the force or flow of the irrigation solution. It’s crucial to follow the advice of healthcare professionals in such cases.
Environmental Control
Steam Therapy
Natural home remedies such as steam therapy offer effective relief for nasal congestion. Whether enjoying it as a hot bath or sipping a cup of steaming tea, steam therapy can help alleviate allergy symptoms like runny or stuffy noses, etc. It does not directly treat the allergy, but steam helps to thin the mucus, making it easier to remove from the nasal passage. Steam inhalation is one of the most efficient methods for providing relief.
To try steam therapy, simply heat a container of water until it produces a generous amount of steam. Some also suggest mixing together half a cup of apple cider vinegar and half a cup of water, then draping a cloth or towel over your head to inhale the steam properly. Breathe in the steam slowly for 2 to 5 minutes, ensuring that it envelops your entire face. This routine can be repeated 2 to 3 times a day to maintain relief. It’s essential to exercise caution during steam therapy to avoid any mishaps, as the steam can be very hot.
Precaution:
- Do not get your face too close to the hot steam. Position your face at a distance where you can just feel the steam.
- Keep your eyes close while inhaling to make sure that the steam does not get into your eyes.
- Be careful not to overdo steam inhalation or adding essential or homemade oil to the water because it can reduce blood supply to the eyes and cause swelling or redness in the eyes.
- Refrain from using this method with children present due to the risk of burns.
Stay hydrated
Conclusion
References
Earth Clinic Team. (2023, October 31). Steaming with Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infection. Earth Clinic. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://earthclinic.com/
Griffin, R. M. (2023, February 15). How To Treat Nasal Congestion and Sinus Pressure. WebMD. Retrieved October 20, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/
Nasal Irrigation: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects. (2022, December 10). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
Mohd Salim, E. (2014, June 9). ALAHAN - PORTAL MyHEALTH. PORTAL MyHEALTH. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/alahan/
What is a HEPA filter? (2023, March 13). US EPA. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov