Allergies cause many unpleasant physical symptoms, such as a runny nose. However, this condition can also be caused by other diseases, such as colds and other viral infections that affect the respiratory system. Some of the tips in this article can help alleviate a runny nose caused by these other diseases, but most are specific to the symptoms of an allergy.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treatment
Step 1. Take an antihistamine
As the name suggests, antihistamines prevent the body from making histamines, which dry out the mucous membranes of your nasal passages. You can try an over-the-counter antihistamine that contains active ingredients such as loratadine or diphenhydramine. The most common antihistamines are Allergan, Clarityn, Zirtec, Trimeton, Fenistil and Reactine.
Trimeton can cause drowsiness, while Clarityn does not have this side effect. Take necessary precautions when using a drug that can cause drowsiness
Step 2. Visit a doctor
Your doctor will be able to prescribe an allergy medication, whether it is an antihistamine, a corticosteroid (nasal spray), a decongestionant, a leukotriene or sting inhibitor. The latter are sometimes recommended if pollen or other allergens cannot be avoided. The goal is to acclimate your body to the presence of certain allergens.
- Remember that antihistamines sold with a prescription are indeed stronger, but they also come with stronger side effects like anxiety, diarrhea, increased blood pressure and even insomnia.
- Studies show that daily use of corticosteroid nasal sprays can be very effective in reducing symptoms caused by allergies. Some sprays are also available without a prescription.
- Do not overdo the use of decongestant nasal sprays. There can be a "rebound" effect of nasal mucosal congestion when you try to stop using it, and this can cause something of an addiction.
- Visit your doctor if you have severe allergy symptoms, wheezing or coughing, or if your symptoms don't respond to treatment.
Step 3. Use a saline nasal spray
These sprays can help hydrate the membranes, but don't abuse them. Abuse of these products can lead to other problems. They are available in pharmacies without a prescription, and are used to moisturize the mucous membranes and to expel irritants from the nasal passages.
Some people prefer to make their own saline solution. Pour some salt into a saucepan with a few cups of water and bring to a boil. Hold your face over the pot with a towel over your head and breathe in the rising fumes. Adding eucalyptus to the water can open your breasts even more
Step 4. Use a neti pot
Fill it with 240 milliliters of distilled, filtered, or pre-boiled warm water. Try to avoid using tap water unless it has been properly boiled and then cooled - but distilled water is always better. You can add a saline solution or an over-the-counter product.
Tilt your head to one side while standing near a sink. Place the spout of the neti pot in one nostril and then pour in half of the solution, which will then come out of the other nostril. Repeat on the other side. Clean and disinfect the neti pot after each use
Step 5. Drink lots of water
While your nose probably won't stop running as soon as you finish your glass, it's important to stay hydrated when you suffer from allergy symptoms. Blowing your nose continuously and taking medications with dehydrating side effects will dry out the mucous membranes even more. Drinking 16 ounces of water every couple of hours can help restore balance to your system.
Step 6. Try herbal remedies
Many homemade herbal remedies can work as antihistamines.
- Mustard oil. Take a mustard nut and heat it in a pan with some water. When the solution is fluid enough to suck with a dropper, pour a small amount into one nostril. Breathe in. Thanks to the very strong mustard scent, you may need a few seconds to recover from the shock. Treat one nostril at a time to avoid blocking both breasts at the same time.
- Turmeric. This herb has long been prized in Indian culture for its culinary and medicinal properties. Soak a small amount of turmeric powder in pure flaxseed oil, which you can find in many stores that sell health food items. Hold the solution over a heat source until it starts to smoke and inhale those vapors.
Step 7. Make the air more humid
Buy a humidifier for example. While it may seem counterintuitive, allergies have a tendency to inhibit the bodily processes that keep the nasal passages hydrated. When you first come into contact with the allergen, your body produces substances called histamines that cause the mucous membranes to swell and dry out. Then, when other particles in the air enter this dry environment - often the same particles as pollen that caused the allergic reaction - the body starts running a nose in an attempt to expel them and restore the system's balance. This is the vicious circle that allergy sufferers are familiar with. Humidifiers make the air more humid, helping to hydrate the nasal passages.
- The ideal humidity for a home is between 30 and 50%; a lower level will be too dry for your nose, a higher level will make the air seem stuffy, and can cause mold and bacteria to proliferate.
- Most humidifiers are not powerful enough to condition the whole house. Place them in the room or rooms where you spend most of your time to make the most of their effect. However, when you leave the humid environment, your mucous membranes will start to dry out again.
Part 2 of 2: Prevention
Step 1. Find out what you are allergic to
Many people go to the doctor to find out what they are allergic to and don't get an answer. It is notoriously difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of symptoms, and in most cases you will receive a list of possible candidates. However, the more information you have about your allergy, the better. Once you have a general idea of what causes your symptoms, you can start avoiding exposure to these allergens.
Step 2. Avoid triggers
Environmental irritants and allergens such as pollen, animal dander and dander, dust and cigarette smoke can dry out the nasal passages and start the runny nose cycle. Use a home air purifier to remove these irritants from the air, but understand that it's virtually impossible to avoid all of these unless you seal yourself in a vacuum container.
- One of the most common allergens is ragweed pollen, and there are more than 17 varieties! Although it is almost impossible to completely avoid exposure to ragweed, you can learn where the highest concentrations are found in your area. Avoid these areas as much as possible.
- Avoid going outside during peak hours, such as early in the morning, and close your windows when pollen season is at its peak.
- Reduce dust mites in your home by eliminating carpets, blankets and stuffed animals as much as possible. Use mattress covers and pillow covers.
Step 3. Cover your face
This is probably the most direct and effective way to protect yourself from the allergens that cause your symptoms. If the particles can't get into your body, they won't be able to start the runny nose cycle. If you go out in an area where a lot of irritants are present, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. A protective mask could be even more useful.
Step 4. Wash your hands more often
This can prevent the spread of allergens. Any soap is fine, because you just have to get rid of allergens, not bacteria. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, then dry them with a clean towel.
Step 5. Wash your face after coming into contact with allergens
If you are allergic to pet hair, wash your face after petting a dog. If you are allergic to pollen, wash your face when you come home after being outdoors for a while. This will help reduce allergen exposure.
