The spring — as well as its flora — are in blossoms as April ends. While the arrival of spring inspires celebrations of pleasant weather and lovely flowers for some, it merely brings itchy eyes and runny noses for others.
Here are strategies for preventing Pollen Allergies.
1. Have some herbal tea
According to Healthline, different teas, from dried ginger to peppermint, help reduce some of the symptoms of pollen allergies. Teas are also simple to buy and make. Determining which tea is best for you is crucial because different teas fight different things. For instance, dried ginger provides anti-inflammatory effects, honey tea can soothe an itchy throat, and peppermint can work as a decongestant.
A small company called MEplusTEA is based in Athens and focuses on “blending ethnic teas with native dried fruits, herbs, and spices.” Allergy Relief, a hand-blended loose-leaf tea with nettle, spearmint, eyebright, peppermint, lemongrass, calendula, lavender, red clover, fennel, and stevia, is one of the blends available.
2. Put on an allergen mask
When you’re out and about, wearing an allergy mask might be a fantastic method to stop pollen from getting into your body via your mouth and nose. Allergy masks generally help trap pollutants and allergens like pollen, mold, and dust as you breathe; however, different masks have varied functions.
3. Combine your water with apple cider vinegar
Even though there is still no conclusive scientific proof, apple cider vinegar has historically been a cure for several medical ailments. According to Healthline, some research indicates that apple cider vinegar can function as an anti-inflammatory by lowering blood pressure, which can help ease allergy symptoms. A teaspoonful of it dissolved in a water glass is the ideal dosage.
4. When you reach home, take out your “outside” clothes
Pollen and other contaminants from the outside can be carried by clothing. Change into clean clothing (or even regular pajamas) and avoid wearing those clothes again before you put things through the washer to reduce pollen contamination in places inside your home and manage your allergies while inside.
5. Follow pollen counts on weather apps & make plans as necessary
A pollen count measures the pollen count in the air, which might change daily. Check weather apps that will most likely provide five-day pollen allergy forecasts to avoid going outside on days with high pollen counts or prepare appropriately for pollen.
6. Make your homemade saline solution or use a saline nasal spray
A saline nasal spray can help ease sinus pain, replenish nasal moisture, and eliminate pollen counts from the nasal lining if you have a nasal allergy to pollen. Even better, you may prepare your homemade saline solution at home by combining 3 tablespoons of non-iodized salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda, then keeping the mixture in a jar. When prepared to use, add a tsp of the mixture to 8 ounces of water that has already been boiled and cooled.
7. Take a shower at night
Pollen count frequently lingers not only on clothing but also on hair and skin. Take a shower before bed to avoid transmitting allergens from your hair and skin to your mattress and pillow. You’ll not only feel clean when you go to bed, but you’ll also stop any further allergy triggers.
8. When natural remedies are ineffective
Many people find that avoiding allergies and using over-the-counter drugs is sufficient to reduce symptoms. Don’t give up, though, if your allergy symptoms continue to cause you trouble. There are numerous other therapies available.
If you suffer from severe seasonal allergies, your doctor may advise having skin or blood testing to identify the specific allergens that are to blame for your symptoms. Testing can help you discover your triggers, the steps you need to take to avoid them, and the most likely effective therapies.
Allergen immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be a viable choice for certain people. This therapy, also called desensitization, includes injections of small doses of the allergens that trigger your allergies. These injections lessen the immune system response, which results in symptoms over time. Some allergies can be treated with pills placed under the tongue.
Treatments
Both prescription medication and natural remedies can be used as treatments for spring allergies.
Medication
The symptoms of springtime allergies can be managed with a variety of drugs. These drugs can be purchased without a prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
• Antihistamines can help with symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. You can get antihistamines as pills, nasal sprays, or liquids.
• Nasal corticosteroids: This kind of nasal spray lessens inflammation. Doctors regard them as the most successful treatment for allergic rhinitis.
• Decongestants: These reduce stuffiness by decreasing the membrane of the nasal passages. Decongestants are available as tablets, liquids, drops, and nasal sprays. Consequences of prolonged use are possible.
• Leukotriene receptors: These pills stop some substances from triggering allergic reactions.
• Eyedrops: Eye allergies are treated with eye drops. Eye drops can offer momentary relief for swelling, itching, and redness.
• Additional nasal sprays: Additional nasal sprays are available to relieve post-nasal drip symptoms, thin mucus or dry nasal passages, and assist prevent allergic reactions.
Immunotherapy
Long-term allergy treatment includes immunotherapy, which tries to desensitize patients to their allergies. Immunotherapy is a treatment option for patients who encounter adverse drug effects or receive little benefit. Immunotherapy comes in two flavors: sublingual pills and allergy injections.
For three to five years, allergen injections are required for allergy shots. These injections aid in the development of anti-allergen resistance. Sublingual pills treat only some forms of allergies. They call for the daily dissolving of a tablet underneath the tongue for up to three years. One might begin taking the pills in the months leading up to spring.