What Is The Best Allergy Treatment At Home
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Ten Ways To Alleviate Seasonal Allergies Without Medication
When your immune system overreacts to an airborne substance that doesnt bother everyone around you, you have allergies. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and insect stings are the biggest culprits of seasonal allergies.
Increased pollen counts and higher temperatures across the globe are contributing to longer and more severe allergy seasons. This means many people whove never had an issue before are experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms for the first time. However, because these symptoms are so similar to the common cold, many just assume theyve caught a bug. If this sounds familiar, the best way to tell the difference between allergies and a cold is whether you have a fever. If youve been feeling unwell for 7 days or longer without a fever, you are probably suffering from seasonal allergies.
When you seek medical treatment for allergy symptoms, your doctor will typically prescribe medications or injections to help you feel better. But the good news is that there are a lot of things you can do at home to alleviate seasonal allergies without medication.
Treating Allergies On The Skin
For allergic reactions that cause skin symptoms, including those associated with allergens found in animal saliva, poisonous plants, drugs, chemicals and metals, additional treatment options include:
- Topical corticosteroid creams or tablets. Corticosteroids contain steroids that reduce inflammation and itching. Mild forms of these creams can be found online, and a doctor can prescribe stronger versions.
- Moisturizing creams. Emollient creams with soothing ingredients, such as calamine can treat skin reactions.
- Bite or sting medication. Medication targeted to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites or stings have a similar effect to other allergy medications.
- Ice pack. Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the area for 10- to 15-minute intervals can reduce inflammation.
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Is Your Pet A Problem
The furry friends in American homes can worsen-and in many cases, cause-allergies. Cat dander is the most problematic, but dogs birds, rabbits, horses, and other pets with hair or fur can also stir up allergic reactions.
Even allergen-free pets are more hype than hope, experts say. Because pet allergens may linger in upholstered couches and chairs, wallpaper, and other areas for several months, professional cleaning may be in order. If you cannot bear to be without a pet, wash your cat or dog frequently evidence suggests this may reduce its level of allergens.
Hay Fever Management And Treatment
Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and to your behavior.
- Keep windows closed during high pollen periods use air conditioning in your home and car.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
- Use mite-proof bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold. .
- Wash your hands after petting any animal, and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside.
What people dont realize is most of the over-the-counter medicines are designed for milder allergies. For the people who have more moderate to severe allergy problems, its very rare that over the counter medicines are enough.
Allergist James Sublett, MD
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Treatment For Seasonal Allergies
There are several ways you can treat your seasonal allergies on your own.
Avoid outdoor triggers. If possible, Dr. Hemphill recommends staying away from environments where your allergens might be present, and staying indoors with your windows closed on days with high pollen counts .
Protect yourself from pollen. If you must go outside, you can wear a mask covering your mouth and nose and wraparound glasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. You can also save outdoor activities for late afternoon. If you have a lawn, keep your grass cut short. Once you get back inside, rinse off to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
Keep your home triggers clean. Dr. Hemphill also recommends controlling what you can, such as keeping your pets regularly groomed to avoid pet dander. Brushing pets immediately after theyve been outside can also prevent pollen from entering your home. Regularly cleaning your home and repairing any leaks can help you avoid dust mites and mold.
Take medication. Several over-the-counter antihistamines can alleviate your seasonal allergies symptoms. These can come as pills, chewable tablets, capsules, liquids and eye drops. Common OTC antihistamines include cetirizine , fexofenadine and loratadine .
These medications are most effective when you take them before pollen season begins. That way, your body wont release histamine once the season starts and you can reduce or prevent your symptoms.
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Plan Time Outdoors Wisely
Many popular weather apps and websites provide allergy forecasts or pollen counts. On the National Allergy Bureau website there is a list of more than 80 stations throughout the United States that provide more detailed daily pollen updates based on different species of plants. You can select the station closest to you and receive notifications for the particular pollen allergy you have.
Pollen counts tend to be at their highest between early morning and midmorning, as well as on hot, dry, windy days, Dr. Chong said. If you can exercise indoors during those times or run errands later in the evening, you will reduce the amount of pollen you inhale, she added.
If you are prone to allergy symptoms and have to go out in the morning or do yardwork, wear a high-quality N95 mask the kind you may already have for protection against the coronavirus. This will help filter out pollen.
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Natural Ways To Ease Allergies
From Neti pots to spicy food, how to ease congestion and fight allergy symptoms.
‘GMA’ Pollen Report: Monday April 15, 2013
What to do???Some allergies are severe and require the attention of a doctor or other health care professional. For milder cases, though, home remedies may provide all the relief you need, with relatively little expense or hassle. Even people with bad allergies who need medication may find these at-home tips helpful for easing symptoms.
quicklist: 1category: Natural Ways to Ease Allergiestitle: Neti potsurl: text: They may look exotic, but Neti pots are fast becoming a mainstream remedy for allergies and stuffed-up sinuses. The treatment, which involves rinsing your nasal cavity with a saline solution, flushes out allergens and loosens mucus.
Using a Neti pot is simple. First, fill the pot with a mixture of salt and warm water . Then tilt your head to the side and pour the solution in one nostril until it flows out the other, repeating the process on the opposite side.
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quicklist: 2category: Natural Ways to Ease Allergiestitle: Saline sprayurl: text: Prepackaged saline nasal sprays function much like Neti pots, but some allergy sufferers may find them easier to use. Sprays deliver saline solution a bit more gently and evenly, whereas pots can sometimes be a little “sloppy,” says Robert Graham, MD, an internist and integrative medicine specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City.
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Emergency Treatment Of Severe Allergic Reactions
Most people with allergies experience mild to moderate symptoms a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes or rash.
However, anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment.
Most commonly associated with allergies to food, insect stings, medications and latex, anaphylaxis involves an over-release of chemicals that puts the body in shock.
Symptoms occur suddenly and progress quickly from mild symptoms such as a runny nose and skin rash, to a strange feeling, to serious health problems such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, vomiting, dizziness and fainting, low blood pressure and even cardiac arrest.
In the event of a severe allergic reaction:
- Check the victims airway, breathing and circulation.
- Keep the person calm.
- Elevate the persons feet about 12 inches, cover with a blanket and place nothing under his head.
- If necessary, perform rescue breathing and CPR.
Emergency personnel will administer epinephrine immediately to stop the anaphylactic reaction.
If you have had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, you are at risk of future reactions. Your doctor can prescribe emergency epinephrine to carry with you for emergencies.
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Take The Right Meds At The Right Time
Allergen avoidance techniques may not always be enough. Here’s the rundown on common medications and when it’s appropriate to consider them.
Oral antihistamines. If you have mild seasonal allergy symptoms when youre outdoorsbut feel better once youre insideits reasonable to try a once-a-day OTC antihistamine.
These drugs, available in chewable, liquid, and tablet form, can be taken daily until the end of allergy season. They work by blocking histamine, the symptom-causing substance released by your body when it comes in contact with an allergen.
Stick with whats known as a second-generation antihistamine: cetirizine , fexofenadine , and loratadine . They’re less likely to cause sedation than older antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine clemastine brompheniramine and diphenhydramine .
Though the newer antihistamines all appear to be equally safe and effective, some people may respond better to one than another. So if, for example, cetirizine doesnt seem to help, try fexofenadine or loratadine, Hong says.
Steroid nasal sprays. If your symptoms persist even when youre inside, include nasal stuffiness, and make you so uncomfortable that its hard to sleep and go about your day-to-day activities, the new guidelines now recommend opting for a daily prescription or OTC nasal steroid spray, such as fluticasone or triamcinolone acetonide .
How To Naturally Relieve Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
today April 20, 2022 Commentslocal_offerLifestyle
Ah Spring, a time for renewal. The weather begins to warm up, the animals come out of hiding, the grass begins to turn green again and flowers bloom. It all sounds truly so magical and it is, but it can also be dreadful for those who have seasonal allergies too!
For about 20-30% of people in Canada, itchy eyes and sneezing often come along with the April showers and May flowers. Allergy Season can bring symptoms that can be unbearable and antihistamine medication can leave you feeling drowsy or worse. But alas, there are some natural solutions to help you ease your allergy symptoms and get relief from allergic rhinitis. Read more to learn more about seasonal allergies, what causes allergic rhinitis and what you can do to relieve yourself of dreaded allergy symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article was created for informational purposes only. Please consult with your health care team prior to making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Most people have seasonal allergies, but have you ever wondered what seasonal allergies are and what causes them? Well we did the research for you and weve come up with some answers.
The most common form of seasonal allergies is hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. In the Spring, as you know, pollination of grass, weeds, trees and flowers occur.
What Is An Allergic Reaction?
Most Common Seasonal Allergies
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Symptoms Of Pollen Allergies
Everyones immune system is different and allergies to pollens can cause diverse signs and symptoms. This means that diagnosing an allergy can be difficult. If you think you may have an allergy, keeping a record of your symptoms can help you and your doctor to understand what is causing your symptoms.
Risks And Side Effects
While most of the supplements and tips described above can provide natural allergy relief safely, there are some precautions to keep in mind.
When allergies are mild or moderate, they are usually not very threatening and go away with time. However, severe allergic reactions can be dangerous and require medical attention.
Anaphylaxis is the term for a severe allergic reaction, which can happen due to contact with food allergens, drugs/medications or insect stings. Symptoms usually affect the lungs, blood vessels or heart and can include:
- trouble breathing
- rash
- vomiting
If you or your child experience these symptoms, head to your doctor or the emergency room right away to prevent complications.
What can you do for severe allergies? Your doctor may need to prescribe allergy shots or prescription asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
Discuss these options with your health care provider, and consider trying the natural allergy relief remedies described above in addition to using medications.
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How Are Allergies Treated
Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesnt completely end the allergic reaction.
Medications such as antihistamines , decongestants , or a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, are used to treat your allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal steroids , cromolyn sodium, and topical nasal antihistamines also can be used to treat allergy symptoms.
Asthma medications, which reduce allergy symptoms, include:
- Inhaled bronchodilators.
- Oral anti-leukotrienes .
- Injected medications, such as omalizumab , dupilumab , reslizumab , benralizumab , or Mepolizumab .
Immunotherapy or allergy oral immunotherapy is recommended if your symptoms arent adequately controlled with a combination of avoidance measures and regular medication use. This shot has been shown to be effective in properly selected patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma.
Another treatment option is saline irrigation using a sinus rinse kit. These rinse kits are sold over-the-counter or can be made at home. To make your own rinse, combine one-half teaspoon non-iodinated salt with one-half teaspoon baking soda in eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. This mixture rinses out allergens and decreases the amount of inflammation they cause.
Unproven Methods To Test For Allergies
A number of methods claim to test for allergies, but they have not been medically or scientifically proven. They can be costly and could lead to dangerous avoidance of certain foods. The organisation representing allergists recommends that you do not use certain methods to have potential allergies tested. These methods include:
- cytotoxic food testing
- reflexology
- Vega testing.
Always speak with your doctor if you are thinking of using a complementary medicine or therapy to test for allergies.
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Take A Look At Five Easy Ways To Ease Allergy Symptoms
- Take a look at five easy ways to use homeopathic medications:
- Using a friend or family member as support
- Logistical difficulties and
- Why not just use a walk-thief!
When people are using homeopathic medications, they are looking for positive Fix Allergy Fatigue. However, there is no one right way to take care of your allergies. There are turning points where you feel better and youre back on track. Youre not looking for side effects because thats not what this blog is about.
Allergen Immunotherapy Is A Long
Medications only reduce the severity of symptoms and do not cure allergic rhinitis. Another treatment option is allergen immunotherapy which is also known as desensitisation. AIT switches off the allergic reaction, by repeatedly introducing small doses of allergen extracts, by injection, sublingual tablets, sprays or drops.
AIT is a long term treatment which is usually given over a few years.
It should only be started after assessment by a clinical immunology/allergy specialist to determine if this is a suitable treatment option.
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.
ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.
For more information go to www.allergy.org.au
To donate to immunology/allergy research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au
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How To Ease Allergy Symptoms
Posted: Apr 15, 2022 / 10:19 AM EDT
Posted: Apr 15, 2022 / 10:19 AM EDT
ALBANY, N.Y. Allergy season is upon us. If youre feeling the effects, youre not alone. Albany made the list of top ten allergy capitals in the U.S. The ranking is a result of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Americas 2022 Allergy Capitals report.
News10s Ryan Peterson sat down for a conversation with Dr. Nora Perkins from Albany ENT to discuss why Albany ranks so high on the list, ways you can identify the difference between allergies and other types of illness, and the best way to find relief for your symptoms.
Dr. Perkins says allergy season in Albany starts in early March and lasts through October. Many people will feel the side effects from tree pollen until about May or June, before the grass pollen sets in, and eventually the weed pollen will pop up in the late summer and early fall.
Many allergy symptoms can mimic upper respiratory infections. However, Dr. Perkins says there is one distinct difference allergies will never present a fever.
If youve never had allergies before, Dr. Perkins says its normal for adults to develop allergies later in life but it can take a few seasons and different symptoms before you realize what is happening.
Allergic Rhinitis In Children
Children can develop allergic rhinitis too, and it typically appears before the age of 10. If you notice that your child develops cold-like symptoms at the same time each year, they probably have seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The symptoms in children are similar to those in adults. Children usually develop watery, bloodshot eyes, which is called allergic conjunctivitis. If you notice wheezing or shortness of breath in addition to other symptoms, your child may have also developed asthma.
If you believe your child has allergies, see your doctor. Its important to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
If your child does have significant seasonal allergies, limit your childs exposure to allergens by keeping them inside when pollen counts are high. Washing their clothes and sheets frequently during allergy season and vacuuming regularly may also be useful. Many different treatments are available to help your childs allergies. However, some medications can cause side effects, even in small doses. Always talk to your doctor before treating your child with any over-the-counter allergy medication.
The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to manage your allergies before your body has a chance to respond to substances adversely. Consider the following preventive measures for the particular allergens youre sensitive to:
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