The 4 Best Natural Antihistamines
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
If you have seasonal allergies, you know they can be challenging. Sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure these symptoms can become difficult to tolerate.
Youve likely used many over-the-counter solutions to attempt to lessen these seasonal symptoms and may want to try something else. Theres evidence that completely natural solutions may ease your symptoms.
Whether its called hay fever, allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies, numerous drugs both prescription and OTC are available to help combat these cold-like symptoms. But some of these medications have their own lengthy list of side effects.
Understanding how antihistamines work can help you better understand how natural antihistamines can be an ally during allergy season.
Dust Mite Allergy Management And Treatment
Make changes to your home and to your routine:
- Remove wall-to-wall carpets, curtains, and drapes particularly in the bedroom.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom, and preferably out of the house.
- Minimize household humidity.
- Use mite-proof cases on mattresses and pillows wash bed linens frequently in hot water.
- Wear a mask when cleaning
- Keep the relative humidity in your home less than 50%
Shower When You Get Home
Even if you cant see them, pollen and other allergens stick to your body while youre out and about. Showering helps rinse off pollen that sticks to our skin and hair during the day, Dr. Wada says. This gives our body a break from exposure during sleep which is the time our body is in recovery mode. Note: Its best to wash your hair, too, given that its right next to your nose and mouth and can also carry pollen.
Wear a mask outside
Masking up doesnt just lower your risk of getting COVID-19it can also help with your allergies. Face masks are very effective against allergens and symptoms were much better for most when mask mandates were in place, says Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network.
Dr. Wada also recommends this hack. Wearing a mask can also be helpful to filter out some of the pollen and mold in the air, she says. I have many patients that find this particularly helpful when they mow the lawn or do other yard work.
Dont touch your nose and face when youre outside.
Try to stay inside after thunderstorms.
Rain and pollen have a tricky relationship. Rain showers can temporarily clear pollen from the air, the ACAAI says. But thunderstorms can actually increase pollen counts since lightning, wind, and temperature changes can stir things up.
Remove excess moisture from your kitchen.
Also Check: How Long Does Food Allergy Take
Diagnosing Dust Mite Allergies
You should see an allergist if you find your symptoms are worse at home, especially when cleaning or when you go to bed. An allergist is someone who diagnoses and treats allergies.
Your allergist will use diagnostic tests to determine whether you have a dust mite allergy. The most common type of test is a skin-prick test. During this test, the allergist will prick an area of your skin with a small extract of the allergen. Your allergist will then wait about 15 minutes to see if your skin has any negative reactions. If you do have a reaction, you will likely develop a large bump around the pricked area of skin. The area may also become red and itchy.
A blood test is sometimes used instead of a skin test. Note that a blood test can only screen for antibodies, so the results may not be as accurate.
The best treatment option is to limit your exposure to dust mites. If that doesnt work, there are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help relieve the symptoms of a dust mite allergy:
- antihistamines, such as Allegra or Claritin, can help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itching
- nasal corticosteroids, such as Flonase or Nasonex, can reduce inflammation while offering fewer side effects than their oral counterparts
- , such as Sudafed or Afrin, can shrink tissues in nasal passages, making it easier to breathe
- medications that combine an antihistamine and decongestant, such as Actifed or Claritin-D
Other treatments that may provide relief include:
Singulair
Causes Of Dust Mite Allergies
An allergy is the immune systems response to an unknown substance thats not usually harmful to your body. These substances are called allergens. They may include certain foods, pollens, and dust mites. People who are allergic to dust mites have bad reactions to the remnants of the bugs. These remnants include tiny mounds of feces and decaying bodies.
You might have a relatively clean household, but it doesnt take much to create an environment fit for dust mites. In fact, the average bedroom is often the ideal place for them. Bedding, carpeting, and furniture cushions all trap and hold moisture, allowing these tiny bugs to flourish. You could experience increased allergy symptoms over time as you continue to breathe in the dust mites waste particles.
Its important to note that dust can be a sneeze-inducing annoyance for anyone, but only certain people have the immune responses that actually constitute a dust mite allergy.
Dust mite allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. They may include the following:
- runny or itchy nose
- sinus pressure
- itchy, watery, or red eyes
- scratchy throat
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Allergies At Night
No 8 Move To A Fresh Air Location
This is a home remedy, however, in order to incorporate it youll have to literally move your home . Some places in the U.S. have really bad air quality.
In large cities, air quality is usually poor from pollution. Even cities near the ocean can have bad air.
But living in a more rural area doesnt mean better air. I grew up in an agricultural area and the air quality was worse than most large cities.
In Texas people battle seasonal cedar fever, experiencing nose symptoms in the winter. In the South, hot humid summers might cause a boom in dust mite populations and seriously affect people with dust mite allergy.
If youre moving to a new location for a new job look at the air quality, precipitation patterns, humidity, and vegetation to better understand if your symptoms will be affected.
Drink Plenty Of Water:
One of the most recommended dust allergy treatment home remedies is Water! Water will help in flushing out the toxins as well as the dust particles from the system, which is actually causing the allergy. Drinking 10-12 glasses of plain and filtered water will help you here in an ideal way. It has a lot of other benefits too.
You May Like: How Do You Test For Mold Allergies
Overcoming Lifelong Allergies Naturally
A fine, yellow-green dust coats cars, porches, sidewalks and everything else outside my home right now. The trees and flowers are blooming, and pollen dust storms are visible in the distance.
This is spring in the southeastern U.S.
And I used to loathe going outside this time of year. Plagued by itchy, watery eyes, and a sneezing, runny nose, I used prescription and over-the-counter medicines not only in the spring, but year-round, to help me get through.
But then I stumbled upon something that changed my life, and I havent used any medications since.
Ive been overcoming allergies naturally.
As a child, I had classic hay fever, which meant I sneezed at anything outside spring, summer and fall. I grew up on a farm, which was a problem since I discovered I also was allergic to cats, horses, mildew and mold. I had used over-the-counter and prescription medications my entire life.
As long as I took them and didnt miss a day, I stood a decent chance of not suffering too much. But if I missed a few days and got behind on them, I felt miserable for several days until the drugs got into my system.
Food Allergy: Home Remedy Or Emergency Room
Overview
Food allergies can be deadly, but not all physical reactions to food require a visit to the emergency room. Knowing when to call 911 and when you can treat a reaction with things in your home could save your life, as well as some money.
As many as 15 million Americans have food allergies, according to Food Allergy Research & Education. And these numbers are rising. Between 1997 and 2011, food allergies in children increased by 50 percent, and now they affect one in every 13 kids. Their prevalence is alarming, as are their potential effects.
Recommended Reading: Is Soybean Oil Ok For Soy Allergy
Ways To Treat Your Skin Allergy Naturally
Theres pollen in spring, dust in summer and dry dust in winter the change in seasons brings its own set of irritants and reactors for millions of us that can worsen skin allergy. In India, about 25% of the population suffer from at least one or the other skin allergies.
The immune system is well equipped to find and fight pathogenic organisms like bacteria and viruses. However, an oversensitive immune system could turn its overwhelming powers against seemingly harmless substances like latex, pet dander or poison ivy. These substances are called allergens. This results in allergic reactions like hay fever, food allergy or skin allergies.
There are different types of skin allergy. It includes eczema or atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, hives or urticaria and swelling or angioedema.
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.
You May Like: What Is In Mucinex Allergy
Consider Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is purported to boost the immune system, help break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve allergy symptoms. These tips on how best to use apple cider vinegar will provide additional guidance.
When Is It An Emergency
Every three minutes, someone goes to the emergency room because they have a severe allergic reaction to food. This results in about 200,000 visits per year. If you experience any of the following symptoms, get help immediately, as anaphylaxis can happen in a matter of minutes or even seconds:
- wheezing or high-pitched breathing
Don’t Miss: How To Overcome Seasonal Allergies Naturally
When To Seek Medical Treatment For Allergies
Are your child’s symptoms not letting up? Talk with a doctor, who may be able to diagnose allergies by examining your child and reviewing their medical history. In some cases, the doctor may order some blood or skin tests to make a diagnosis.
Various allergy medications can safely and effectively relieve your child’s symptoms. For example, some antihistamines block the immune system from releasing histamine into the blood, stopping allergic reactions before they start or slowing them down once they have begun. Steroids work to decrease the inflammation caused by the immune reaction these can be in the form of nasal sprays, eyedrops, and pills or liquids taken orally. Allergy shots, the injection of tiny doses of an allergen, are helpful for some patients they work by producing antibodies against the allergen, preventing severe allergic reactions in the future.
Avoid Allergens When Possible
Of course, the best way to prevent allergies is to avoid exposure all together. Wear a mask on your daily walks in the park, keep your HEPA air filters clean and up-to-date, and wash your bedsheets with non-allergenic detergent regularly. If you know you are allergic to a certain type of spring pollen, avoid areas where those plants grow wildly and check your local pollen status before heading out.
Also Check: How To Treat Fall Allergies Naturally
How To Overcome An Allergy
So, once you know you got an allergic reaction, how do you manage them? Firstly, try to avoid things you are allergic to.
Allergies are a common cause of your running nose or illness and can affect at any stage in an individuals life. The reasons for seasonal allergies may be many from pollen to medication, which means it can be challenging to know the best treatments or home remedies. Data suggest that more than 50 million people in America suffer from an allergic reaction every year, and the best allergy prevention will depend on the cause and severity of the reaction. In this blog, we will check a range of treatments and the best tips for allergy prevention.
With every passing year, allergies are becoming more common. They are one of the leading causes of chronic illness in the United States. If your allergic reaction is interfering with your life, you may be wondering how to get relief from them. An allergic reaction happens when you come into contact with an allergen, and your immune system releases antibodies. These antibodies produce histamine, a chemical that is responsible for causing symptoms such as the runny nose, itching, and congestion. Common allergens include dust, certain foods, dust, pet dander from dogs and cats. You may be able to get rid of environmental allergies, However. Read on to learn what you can do to eliminate your allergies.
Visit A Sinus Specialist In Detroit
If all else fails, schedule an appointment with your local sinus specialist or ENT doctor. Detroit Sinus Center offers a variety of sinus treatments ranging from prescription medications to non-invasive surgeries. Well help you through allergy season so you can breathe easy once again. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our sinus specialists in Detroit!
Read Also: Can Food Allergies Cause Heart Palpitations
Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time.
Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?
Home remedies for allergies including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below youll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief.
When Should You Consider Using Seasonal Allergy Medicine
Theres no cure for seasonal allergies , but taking over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines2 can help when natural remedies for seasonal allergies arent enough. If youre using allergy medications, its often helpful to take them before your symptoms even start. Most people take medication when their seasonal allergies begin to cause trouble, but you can get a leg up on things by starting earlier, Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with NYU Langone, who is allergic to grass pollen herself, tells SELF. Grass pollen starts becoming bothersome in springtime, so Dr. Parikh begins using allergy meds like antihistamines two weeks before the season starts. This helps her reduce symptoms or even avoid them altogether, she says. You can also try OTC nasal corticosteroids, which are sprayed or inhaled into the nose to help relieve your stuffy nose and irritation caused by allergies.
Its important to talk to your doctor, preferably an allergist if you have access to one, before trying any other natural remedies for seasonal allergies, like herbs or supplements. For example, some people who are allergic to ragweed, daisies, and marigolds can also be allergic to chamomile tea, according to the NCCIH, which could do more harm than good in that case.
Don’t Miss: Can You Use Allergy Eye Drops With Antibiotic Eye Drops
What Are The Causes Of Dust Allergy
When it comes to discussing the causes behind this condition, the possibilities are predominantly because of the allergens that our body is exposed to.
Any form of allergy that we fight along is mainly because of the exposure of the allergens into the immune system. In order to fight them off, our immune system releases chemicals and boosts reactions which end up being showcased in the form of the symptoms that we experience for our allergies.
There could very well be a number of reasons behind the condition that we actively are not even aware of. These mites can be anywhere around, from your bedroom to the living room that you just cleaned.
Majority of the times, it has been found that some of the furniture around in the house like the bedding, and even the cushions around have the capability of keeping the moisture trapped, thus providing with an amazing infestation site for the allergens.
