Sneezing, Itching, and Runny Nose? Here's How to Deal with Allergies

Managing and controlling allergy symptoms can be challenging, especially if you suffer from allergies. Allergies can affect different body parts, including the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs.

They can cause uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Thankfully there are a variety of treatments and remedies available that can help manage your allergy symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The Ultimate Guide to Allergy Relief

Spring brings bright and beautiful sights of blooming flowers and budding trees. However, those suffering from seasonal allergies may have different enthusiasm for this time of year.

Every year, allergic rhinitis, known as hay fever, affects millions. However, instead of succumbing to the symptoms of sneezing and sniffling, it's worth trying some proven strategies. These straightforward tips are available to alleviate your springtime struggles and bring you some relief.

1. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is not a definitive treatment for allergies but rather an approach that aims to reduce a person's sensitivity or immune system reaction to allergens. By desensitizing the body to certain substances, it can minimize the uncomfortable symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. However, this technique is still relatively new, and further clinical studies are needed to determine its effectiveness and safety.

Immunotherapy may be recommended by a doctor if:

• A patient is averse to taking medications.
• Medications are not managing allergy symptoms.
• A person cannot steer clear of allergens.
• A person's other medications interact with allergy medicines.

This type of treatment can have impressive results for those with allergies, allowing them to overcome their sensitivities after several years of treatment. However, for others, ongoing therapy may be necessary to regulate symptoms over the long term.

Immunotherapy can be administered through allergy shots (SCIT- subcutaneous immunotherapy) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). In addition, oral immunotherapy (OIT) can treat peanut allergies.

2. Over-The-Counter (OTC) Solutions

Allergy sufferers know the toll symptoms can take on everyday life. Fortunately, several nonprescription medications can help provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms. This includes:

• Oral antihistamines. Allergies got you feeling down? Don't despair! Oral antihistamines can provide welcome relief for sneezing, itching, and other common symptoms. Options like cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) may help you.

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays. To tackle pesky nose-related issues, try medication designed to improve nasal symptoms. These could include Flonase Allergy Relief, Rhinocort Allergy, and Nasacort 24 Hour—but remember to discuss any long-term use with a health care provider first.

• Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. This nasal spray can effectively ease such symptoms by impeding the release of immune system agents that trigger allergy symptoms. Its efficacy is highest when used before allergen exposure, and while it is generally deemed a safe treatment, it typically requires frequent application, up to 4 to 6 times per day.

• Oral decongestants. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), an oral decongestant, can temporarily relieve nasal congestion. In addition, certain allergy medications amalgamate a decongestant with an antihistamine, such as cetirizine-pseudoephedrine, fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine, and loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D).

It's crucial to confer with your healthcare provider about using a decongestant to determine whether it is viable for treating your allergy symptoms.

3. Non-conventional Treatments

Various natural remedies have been used to relieve hay fever symptoms, such as butterbur shrub extracts, spirulina (dried algae), and other herbal remedies. Nonetheless, the safety and effectiveness of these remedies are yet to be established due to the limited number of properly conducted clinical trials.

Based on study results, acupuncture has shown some potential benefits, but the findings could be more consistent. Before trying alternative treatments, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

4. Cleanse Your Nasal Cavity

If you're looking for a quick, cost-efficient solution to clear your stuffy nose of allergens and mucus buildup, flushing the nasal passages with saline is ideal! Ready-made solutions are available in stores.

You can make one at home by combining 1 quart of water with 1.5 teaspoons of canning salt plus one teaspoon of baking soda; just be sure to use bottled water when making it from scratch, as this reduces risk potential. Also, be diligent and rinse out any irrigational devices after each use before leaving them open, so they air dry properly afterward!

5. Minimize Contact With Allergens

Minimizing your exposure to allergens can reduce your sensitivity to the symptoms associated with allergies. Identify what triggers your allergy issues and consider avoiding them entirely if necessary for maintaining your health.

To decrease your contact with allergens that cause your allergy signs and symptoms, you should:

• Put on a mask when you are outside.
• Avoid outside activities on windy days, as this can stir up pollen and cause an increase in symptoms. After a rain shower is the best time to go out, as it helps cleanse the air of these particles.
• Take off your clothes and shower to remove any pollen stuck on your skin and hair. A quick rinse will go a long way in reducing the effects of pollen.
• Avoid drying your laundry outside, as pollen will likely cling to your sheets and towels. It's best to keep these items away from areas where pollen can accumulate.
• Steer clear of lawn mowing, weed pulling, and other gardening tasks that can agitate allergens.

6. Maintain Cleanliness of Indoor Air

While there's no one-size fits all solution that can completely eradicate all allergens from your indoor air, the following recommendations could be helpful:

• Use a dehumidifier to keep the indoor air dry and comfortable.
• Keep your indoor and outdoor environments allergen-free by utilizing air conditioning in your home and car.
• Incorporate a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your sleeping quarters.
• Use high-efficiency filters and maintain a regular maintenance plan for forced air heating or cooling. Doing so will help keep things running smoothly year-round.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep the indoor air dry and comfortable.

Take Control of Your Allergies Today

Dealing with allergies doesn't have to be a battle. With appropriate treatments and remedies, taking charge of your health and experiencing days without the discomfort of allergies is possible. Whether you're dealing with seasonal allergies or chronic reactions, myriad options are available to help alleviate symptoms and reduce future flare-ups.

Don't be afraid to explore different methods until you find the best solution—because everyone deserves relief. Take control of your allergies today!

Brian Alba, Editorial Staff

Brian's passion for writing drives him to create informative and thought-provoking content. He aims to inspire and educate readers with his work. He is committed to perfecting his craft and pushing the limits of what can be achieved with writing.