Whether you are allergic to flowers or trees, there are a few ways you can treat your seasonal allergies. You can use nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, acupuncture, inhaling steam or even putting on a pollen mask.
Nasal steroid sprays
Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or you just have a stuffed nose from allergies, nasal steroid sprays are an effective way to ease symptoms. These medicines work by reducing inflammation in the nose. They are also effective in relieving symptoms of nasal congestion, such as sneezing and runny nose.
While nasal steroid sprays are effective in treating seasonal allergies, they can also cause some undesirable side effects. If you have a sensitive nose, you may experience irritation, dryness, drowsiness, bleeding, nosebleed, cataracts, or other health complications. Before using any nasal steroid spray, discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider.
If you decide to use nasal steroid sprays, they should be used consistently over several weeks. You should avoid using them if you have had a nasal infection in the past or if you are pregnant. You should also avoid mixing nasal sprays. If you have a swollen nose, it may be beneficial to use a saline spray instead.
Nasal steroid sprays may take a few days to produce their full effect. They also may not provide immediate relief from allergy symptoms. If you notice no relief after several days, consult your healthcare provider to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.
Some steroid nasal sprays are available over the counter. They include fluticasone propionate (Flonase) and triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort). Others are only available by prescription. For instance, mometasone (Nasonex), phenylephrine (Vancenasl), and ciclesonide (Zetonna) are available by prescription.
The best way to use nasal steroid sprays is to follow the instructions on the label. The spray should be applied gently. You should aim the spray to the back of your nose and close your nostrils.
Pre-medicating with an antihistamine
During the spring season, allergy symptoms can be especially intense. Fortunately, there are several medications that can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. These medications are available over the counter, in liquid form, in pill form or even as nasal sprays. However, before using any medication, check with a doctor.
Antihistamines are used to relieve allergy symptoms by blocking histamine’s action on cells. Histamine is released by the immune system when it detects an allergen. Histamine causes cells to swell, causing inflammation. Antihistamines can help prevent or relieve allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.
Most antihistamines are safe for people of all ages. However, older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions may be at risk. Depending on the type of allergy, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
Antihistamines are usually given with a decongestant, which makes the nasal passages dry. Decongestives should not be used if you have high blood pressure.
Antihistamines are available as oral pills or chewable tablets. Some people take them daily and others only use them when they have symptoms. Some antihistamines can last up to twelve to twenty-four hours.
Antihistamines should not be taken with alcohol. They should also be taken at room temperature and away from direct light, heat and moisture.
Antihistamines are usually taken in the evening. The early generation of antihistamines caused sedation. However, newer antihistamines do not have this effect. They are equally effective, safe and have a good safety profile.
If you are pregnant, you should ask your doctor about the safety of using antihistamines. Some newer antihistamines have been found to be safe in breast milk.
When choosing an antihistamine, choose one that has a good safety profile and that will not cause drowsiness. Be sure to keep track of how much you are taking and how often you are using the medicine.
Putting on a pollen mask
Putting on a pollen mask to treat seasonal allergies can help reduce your exposure to airborne allergens, especially during the spring and summer. Although this may not alleviate all of your symptoms, it may reduce them significantly.
There are many masks on the market, each of which offers a different level of protection. Some masks are better than others for preventing dust, dust mites, and pollen from reaching your nasal passages.
There are also masks designed to reduce the amount of allergens that enter your nose, such as nasal corticosteroid sprays. These can help reduce your symptoms, but they can also have side effects.
You can also treat your symptoms by using antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and acetaminophen. These will reduce your sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you have an itchy eye, you may want to try wearing glasses to block pollen from reaching your eyes.
You can also try wearing a face mask to treat seasonal allergies. While this may not be as effective as a surgical mask, it is an effective way to keep your nose clear.
There are many other ways to treat seasonal allergies, such as keeping your windows closed and wearing sunglasses. You should also consider a low allergy garden around your home. If you have a sever allergy, you may need to take prescription medication. You should also consult with an allergist.
Although putting on a pollen mask to treat seasonal allergens may not alleviate all of your symptoms, a little trial and error may help. Remember to wash your hands, wear sunglasses, and change your clothes after spending time outside. It is also a good idea to change into clean clothes after spending time in your home, and shower before going to bed.
Inhaling steam
Using steam for seasonal allergies can help ease the pain of a stuffed nose. It can also clear mucus from the sinuses and respiratory passages.
Steam can be a useful treatment for allergies, but it is not a cure. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. He or she may prescribe medicine to reduce your exposure to allergens.
If you are just experiencing mild seasonal allergies, you may be able to treat them with a low-intensity steam inhaler. You can also use a moist washcloth or saline nasal irrigation to clear mucus.
You can also try inhaling essential oils. For example, peppermint is the best oil for opening your sinuses. You can purchase essential oils at health food stores or online. You can also use a home diffuser to inhale the scent.
Steam inhalation also relieves sore throats. You can use a hot shower or a steamy bathroom to inhale steam for seasonal allergies.
Steam inhalation may also work for sinusitis. This condition is caused by inflammation in the blood vessels of the sinuses. Steam inhalation may improve blood flow, resulting in faster recovery from symptoms.
In a clinical trial, steam inhalation was combined with nasal irrigation for chronic sinus symptoms. The effects of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation were compared to usual care. The results showed that steam inhalation improved nasal airflow, but did not improve most symptom scores. Saline nasal irrigation was also found to be effective for chronic nasal congestion.
Steam inhalation can be used to treat asthma as well. A steam inhaler is a drug-free alternative to over-the-counter medicines. This treatment is not recommended for children. It can cause burns and injury. You should always check the temperature of the water before inhaling.
Acupuncture
Using acupuncture for seasonal allergies can help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies, including watery and itchy eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, and a sore throat. This treatment may help reduce the need for over-the-counter allergy medications, which can be expensive and come with undesirable side effects.
Seasonal allergies are a result of the body’s immune response to outdoor allergens. They can cause headaches, coughing, and fatigue. Acupuncture for allergies can help reduce these symptoms and increase energy.
Acupuncture works to relieve the symptoms of allergies by promoting circulation and regulating the chemicals that are triggered during an allergic reaction. Some patients report immediate results and others report that their symptoms have been resolved. Depending on the severity of their allergies, a few treatments may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms.
The best time to get treatment for seasonal allergies is before the season starts. Acupuncture can prevent the symptoms of seasonal allergies from starting and stop them in their tracks. This preventative measure may be especially beneficial for those who suffer from perennial allergic rhinitis.
Using acupuncture for allergies may also help patients avoid sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. In fact, some patients report that they experience relief from allergy symptoms right after their first acupuncture session.
Acupuncture for allergies is not a cure-all, but it is an effective treatment. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be necessary to visit the clinic two or three times a week for four or six weeks.
Acupuncture for allergies can also be combined with standard treatments to help relieve allergy symptoms. These treatments can include allergy shots, antihistamines, immunotherapy, and natural allergy remedies.
Acupuncture for allergies may be effective in relieving itching, headaches, and fatigue. Acupuncture can help the body restore its balance and may also help alleviate pain.
