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13 tips to calm allergy symptoms
Here are thirteen tips to calm an allergy attack and put an end to constant sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Allergy symptoms can often be overwhelming. They can limit your everyday activities and may even perturb your sleep and rest.
To calm the endless sneezing, itching, and congestion, follow these 13 tips:
- Get away from the allergy source: If a particular place (such as outdoors or in a park), fragrance, or smoke causes your symptoms, you must try to leave that area as soon as possible to prevent further allergy triggers. If the allergy-causing substance has found its way on your clothes or body, take a shower and change your clothes as soon as possible.
- EpiPen: If you are prone to severe allergies that may follow exposure to certain pollens or foods, you must discuss with your doctor and carry an EpiPen. You may use the EpiPen if allergies cause breathing difficulty or loss of consciousness.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines: Antihistamines are medications that calm an allergic reaction by decreasing the levels of an allergy-causing chemical called histamine in the body. They are available as pills, sprays, and drops. You must use them as per label instructions. Avoid giving any medication to infants and young children without consulting a pediatrician.
- Decongestants: Decongestant medications relieve nasal stuffiness or congestion. They cause narrowing of the widened blood vessels in the nose that cause a blocked nose. They are available as drops, sprays, and pills. Avoid using decongestants for longer than three days unless prescribed by your doctor. Because decongestants cause narrowing of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction), they can increase your blood pressure. People with hypertension must, therefore, consult their doctor before using decongestants.
- Steroid nasal sprays: These medications are quite potent in relieving allergy symptoms such as itching, discharge, and stuffiness. Use them as per label instructions or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Saline nasal drops or sprays: Saline nasal solutions contain salt and water. They can be instilled in the nose to help loosen the mucus and relieve stuffiness.
- Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen help relieve pain and swelling associated with allergies. Avoid giving aspirin to your child or teen younger than 16 years because it may cause serious reactions.
- Cromolyn sodium nasal spray: This medication is available OTC and helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny, or stuffy nose, and itching. It reduces the release of substances that cause inflammation in the nose and airways.
- Petroleum jelly: Repeated sneezing and nasal discharge can leave the skin around the nostrils dry and irritated. You may apply some petroleum jelly on the skin under the nose to get relief from rawness or irritation. Make sure the petroleum jelly does not enter the nostrils.
- Cool mist humidifier: Dry air tends to worsen allergy symptoms and make breathing even more difficult. You may use a cool-mist humidifier in the room to increase the air moisture.
- Enough rest: Allergy symptoms can make you tired and interfere with your sleep. Lack of sleep can further aggravate your symptoms. Hence, you should take sufficient rest and go easy with your work.
- Plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated helps you recover faster. You may have enough water, warm water with lemon, soups, broths, green tea, and other fluids to stay hydrated and recover faster.
- Warm bath: Warm bath can help with nasal congestion and body ache. You may even try steam inhalation for relief from your symptoms.
When to seek help for your allergy symptoms
The above tips can help calm an allergic reaction.
You must, however, contact your doctor if:
- Your symptoms do not get relieved or get worse despite home management.
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- You get a fever.
- You experience breathlessness, hoarseness, or chest tightness.
- There is swelling over your face, throat, or lips.
- You experience palpitations.
- You develop severe itching or rash over your body.