Know When To Take Your Allergy Medications
Did you know you can start taking your allergy medication before symptoms even arrive?
While allergy seasons seem to be starting earlier and lasting longer these days, pollen seasons are somewhat predictable. So, start taking allergy medications about two weeks before the allergy season and your symptoms begin. Then, continue taking them regularly throughout the rest of the season. Once inflammation starts, it may take longer to get relief.
Oral antihistamines take about a half hour to get into your system. Bedtime is a good time to take allergy medications. Many last 24 hours, which means theyll be working through the next day.
When Is Allergy Season
In many areas of the US, allergy season tends to fall between February and early summer. But the specific time your symptoms strike will depend on which type of pollen youre allergic to14. Tree, grass and weed pollens tend to be at their highest levels in May, while July sees ragweed pollen levels start to rise.
Using certain products and improving your home environment with a spring clean or air conditioning in the summer may all provide help with allergies. You should speak to your doctor if youre experiencing severe seasonal symptoms.
Wash Your Clothes Immediately
If youve spent any time outside during high pollen count dates youll benefit from a quick change of clothes when you get home instead of continuing to lounge around in them.
Rather than wait until laundry day, throw them into the washer and immediately wash your clothes. Even when you cant see the pollen or allergens they linger on your clothes and contribute to inflammation and upper respiratory allergies.
Don’t Miss: Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Ringing In The Ears
Protect Your Kid’s Eyes
Itchy, red, teary eyes are one of the most aggravating symptoms of allergies. The itch stems from inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the whites of the eyes and inner eyelids. The fix: Keep pollen away from your child’s face. Edith Schussler, M.D., a pediatric allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine, in New York City, advises wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim. Kids touch their face all the time, but with these accessories on, your child will be less likely to rub their eyes.
How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost
The cost of allergy shots varies based on a few factors, including how many things you are allergic to and how frequently you need shots to keep your symptoms under control. Shots begin on a weekly basis and over time, your doctor may reduce your shots to once per month. Typically, the cost is between $2,000 – $4,000 yearly, if you dont have medical insurance.
The good news is that insurance will usually cover some maybe even most of the cost of getting allergy shots. And depending on your plan, you may only need to pay your copay. But check your insurance so you know for sure.
Read Also: When Do Allergy Shots Start Working
Keep Allergens At Bay
During prime allergy season, you’ll want to keep allergy triggers outside of your home. The best way to do this is to keep the windows in your home closed. Instead of opening the windows, turn on the air conditioning and have it run on the recycle setting. The recycle setting will trap any allergen particles that may have gotten inside. Also be sure to replace or at least rinse the filters every two weeks.
Use A Hepa Air Purifier
Some people choose to use air purifiers for help with their allergies. These portable devices can be set up indoors to reduce unwanted air particles9. Theyre particularly useful for people with dust or pet allergies, as they can help to remove common indoor allergens from the air.
When you buy an air purifier, check its capacity to ensure its big enough for the room you want to put it in. A HEPA filter can potentially take more than 99.9% of mold, pollen and dust out of the air in your home10.
You May Like: Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes In Neck
It’s Easy To Get The Care You Need
See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.
You cant prevent allergies, but you can avoid exposure to the allergens that set off your allergy symptoms. And you can relieve allergy symptoms through a combination of self-management and doctor-supervised treatments.
Avoiding your allergy triggers pet dander, peanuts, pollen, or whatever else is the starting point of an effective anti-allergy defense. This, of course, requires knowing what youre allergic to.
Self-Management of Allergies
You can buy many allergy medications over-the-counter without a prescription to manage symptoms. These include:
- Antihistamines, which help stop symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. They stop the symptom-causing histamines, the chemicals your body sends out in reaction to allergens. Antihistamines are available as pills, liquids and nasal sprays.
- , which open your airways, relieve sinus pressure and reduce swelling in your nose. They are available as pills, liquids and nasal sprays. They should not be used for more than a few days, as overuse can worsen symptoms.
- Saline sprays, rinses and gels, which help soothe and moisturize your nose and remove mucus and crust.
- Steroid nasal sprays, which help lessen nasal congestion and swelling, runny noses and sneezing. These should be used only with your doctors recommendation.
Medications that combine an antihistamine and decongestant also are available.
What Are Some Seasonal Allergy Treatments
Prevention is key for seasonal allergy relief. The following tips can help your recovery:
- Remove any plants that could be causing your reaction. Its common for people to be allergic to hard-to-see things like pollen.
- Change your daily routine so that youre not around the source of your discomfort. Avoid the outdoors between 5:00 am and 10:00 am. Save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen counts are lower.
- Change your clothes when you get home to avoid tracking allergens around your living space.
- Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure to pollen. To keep cool, use air conditioners and avoid using window fans.
Recommended Reading: Can You Develop Allergies At Any Age
Look Into Alternative Treatments
Some allergy sufferers swear by alternative home remedies for seasonal allergies. These include butterbur , acupuncture, spirulina , stinging nettle, eucalyptus oil, and bromelain . There isn’t too much evidence on these treatments, so it’s best to conduct your own research and consult a doctor with any questions.
Natural Allergy Relief Options
What helps relieve allergies fast? Watching what you eat, getting plenty of fresh air and drinking enough water are some of the natural remedies that can relieve allergies by improving functions of the immune system.
It may take several weeks for your symptoms to subside, but they are likely to be better kept under control when you tackle the root causes. Here are nine ways to get natural allergy relief.
1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet
First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment.
Here are some of the best foods and ingredients to incorporate into your diet to help you beat allergies:
Although its not abundant in many foods, vitamin D is also important for immune function and may help manage allergy symptoms. In fact, certain studies have shown that children who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop allergies and suffer higher rates of hospital admissions due to allergic reactions.
You can get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes in the sun most days without sunscreen and by eating foods like whole milk and some mushrooms for natural allergy relief.
2. Local Raw Honey
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Quercetin
5. Neti Pot
6. Stinging Nettle
8. Probiotics
You May Like: How Many People Have Allergies
Avoid Cigarette Smoke Other Fumes
Cigarette smoke can worsen some allergys indicators such as itchy, stuffy nose and watery eyes. Try not to breathe it and go to any places related to this detrimental ingredient. Other fumes such as aerosol sprays or smoke from wood-burning fireplaces are also something to avoid if you dont want your allergy to become chronic. An effective way to remove triggers from the air is to use air purifiers.
Use A Saline Sinus Rinse
When allergies cause sinus problems, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommend a person rinse their sinuses with saline. This can remove allergens and clear the airways.
The AAAAI recommend the following saline recipe:
- mix 3 teaspoons of salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of boiled water
- dissolve the mixture in the water then use as a saline rinse
Sinus rinsing devices can be purchased online or from a pharmacy.
Recommended Reading: Do Allergies Cause A Sore Throat And Swollen Glands
Natural Remedies For Allergic Reactions
Many traditional medicine systems use herbal supplements and extracts to both treat and prevent allergic reactions, especially seasonal allergies.
Though there is little scientific evidence to support the use of most alternative or natural remedies, some people may find that some can provide relief from their symptoms.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians recommend the following natural treatments for allergies:
- Dietary changes. A low-fat diet high in complex carbohydrates, such as beans, whole grains, and vegetables may reduce allergy reactions.
- Bioflavonoids. These plant-based chemicals found in citrus fruits and blackcurrants may act as natural antihistamines. These can also be taken as supplements.
- Supplements. Flaxseed oil, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E are suggested to improve allergy symptoms.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture treatments may help some people to find relief from their symptoms.
A very severe allergic reaction can lead to a condition called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylaxis occurs when the bodys immune response to an allergen is so severe and sudden that the body goes into a state of shock.
Anaphylaxis can impact multiple organs and if left untreated lead to coma, organ failure, and death.
The early symptoms of anaphylaxis can be fairly mild and similar to those of minor to moderate allergic reactions, but they often rapidly worsen.
Symptoms unique to anaphylaxis include:
First aid for anaphylaxis includes:
Fast Facts On Treating An Allergic Reaction:
- Most minor allergy symptoms can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or decongestants.
- Saline nasal rinses can be used for congestion-related allergy symptoms.
- Corticosteroid creams can treat skin rashes related to allergies.
- Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option for chronic allergy symptoms.
- Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and people should call 911 if they suspect someone is having an anaphylactic reaction.
An allergic reaction occurs when cells in the immune system interpret a foreign substance or allergen as harmful.
The immune system overreacts to these allergens and produces histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergy symptoms, such as inflammation, sneezing, and coughing.
Mild allergic reactions can usually be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.
However, chronic allergies need treatment from a medical professional. Severe allergic reactions always require emergency medical care.
Many mild to moderate allergic reactions can be treated at home or with OTC medications. The following treatments are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction:
Read Also: How To Test For Shellfish Allergy
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
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.
Why Do I Get Congested When It Rains
You may notice that you get significant nasal congestion or stuff nose when there is a front moving in, with rain storm on days of change. This is due to sensitive nerve endings leading to over reaction which results in swelling blood vessels and produces more than enough pressure for the air sinuses just outside your head .
Also Check: Can You Build Immunity To Allergies
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.
Sublingual Allergy Drops And Tablets
If you hate shots, SCIT may not be the best avenue. On top of that, some people don’t enjoy the inconvenience of having to schlep to their allergist so frequently, while others are bothered by the swelling and itchiness that can occur around the injection site.
Fortunately, there is a method that can solve many of these issues: sublingual immunotherapy . It’s another form of desensitization, except instead of getting a prick to the arm every month, you’ll receive prescribed liquid drops or tablets you can take daily kind of like a vitamin.
“We make up the dosing that’s appropriate for you and you do these drops under the tongue at home, ” says Dr. Dean Mitchell, the author of Dr. Dean Mitchells Allergy and Asthma Solution.”It’s very safe. There’s no long-term side effects. It’s extremely effective and it’s probably as natural as you can get.”
Research suggests that SLIT is just as effective as SCIT when it comes to dampening allergic reactions.
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved four allergy tablet products that treat five kinds of northern grass pollen, timothy grass pollen, short ragweed, and dust mite allergies. Liquid products have yet to be approved since more research needs to be conducted to confirm their safety and efficacy. But some physicians still use them as off-label treatments.
Don’t Miss: Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes In Neck
Dont Just Tough It Out If You Cant Find Relief From Your Allergy Symptoms
No one wants to be miserable. Bad allergies can ruin your quality of life and affect your overall health if symptoms turn into a sinus or upper respiratory infection. The good thing is you have options.
If youve never talked with a doctor about your allergies before, start by making a primary care appointment. Whether you choose a video visit or in-person appointment, your primary care doctor will listen to your symptoms, answer any questions you have and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan including connecting you with specialists like an allergist or an otolaryngologist if needed.
Your doctor can also help make sure if symptoms are related to allergies or COVID-19, a cold or something else.
Have you already been diagnosed with seasonal allergies? Make an in-person appointment with an allergist. If youre struggling to get relief this season or your allergy symptoms feel like theyre getting worse, you can see an allergist without a referral. Allergists specialize in testing to determine what causes your allergies and the best way to treat them.
What To Do In An Emergency
If you start having symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, call 911. If you are able, tell the operator that you are having an allergic reaction and need medical assistance.
If you know that you have allergies and could potentially have a severe reaction, make sure that you always carry an EpiPen with you. If you start having symptoms, you can use your EpiPen while you wait for emergency medical help to arrive.
Don’t Miss: Can Allergies Cause Hot Flashes
How Are Seasonal Allergies Treated
There are many ways to treat seasonal allergies, depending on how bothersome the symptoms are. An important part of treatment is knowing what someone is allergic to. Some kids can get relief by reducing or eliminating exposure to the allergens that bother them.
If certain seasons cause symptoms, keep the windows closed, use air conditioning instead of fresh air when possible, and stay indoors when pollen counts are high. It’s also a good idea for kids with seasonal allergies to wash their hands or shower and change clothes after playing outside.
If reducing exposure isn’t possible or doesn’t help, doctors may recommend medicines for allergy symptoms. These can include oral, nasal, and ocular antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays. If these don’t help or a child has to take multiple medicines to ease symptoms, the doctor may recommend seeing an allergist. The allergist can decide whether allergy shots could help.
Shower In The Evening
While taking a shower in the morning can be a great way to wake yourself up, if you suffer from airborne allergies like pollen or dust, you’ll want to switch up your routine. Showering in the evening can help remove any pollen or allergens you’ve picked up during the day. This can also reduce your allergy symptoms since you won’t have these particles transferred to your pillow or bed at the end of the day.
Also Check: What Are The Symptoms Of Wheat Allergy
