If you’re someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, then you know the struggle when it comes to managing symptoms. Maybe you just power through it, or you’re just now dealing with them. Whatever the reason is, you’re looking for a way to treat the symptoms you’re experiencing. We want to share 5 of the most effective treatments for seasonal allergies and some of the ways you can prevent symptoms.
1. Seasonal Support
Our current go to! This supplement is a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, proteolytic enzymes and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens. The formula includes quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles leaf and N-acetyl cysteine. This combination actively promotes healthy nasal and sinus passages for individuals with elevated histamine and respiratory irritation.
2. Antihistamines
One of the most common treatments for seasonal allergies is antihistamines. This medication is used to block histamines, the chemicals that are released when your body recognizes allergens as a “virus” and tries to remove it from your body. The histamines cause physical responses that include itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, post nasal drip, sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms. Antihistamines will block the histamine, therefore reducing the symptoms you experience. This medication comes in various forms, including pills, liquids, tablets, or nose sprays.
3. Decongestants
If your seasonal allergies cause your sinuses to become congested, you may want to take a decongestant. You become congested because the membranes in your sinuses become swollen. Decongestants are designed to be used for short term relief (ie: 3 to 5 days). This type of medication comes in pills and nasal sprays.
4. Nasal Sprays
When someone is suffering from nasal symptoms like a runny nose, stuffiness, and dryness, it may be beneficial to use a nasal spray. This type of treatment for seasonal allergies can be used as needed, but there are several kinds of nasal sprays.
A corticosteroid is used to reduce swelling and mucus in the nasal passageway. They can be used every day or as needed. It works best when used at the beginning of your allergy season to minimize symptoms. Most steroid sprays are prescription only.
Nasal decongestant sprays will help with nasal congestion. Unlike a corticosteroid spray, these should only be used for a short period of time.
Cromolyn sodium nasal sprays block histamines that cause allergy symptoms. You can use them as needed, and they work best when used before allergy symptoms start.
5. Nasal Irrigation Device
If you are looking for a more natural treatment for seasonal allergies, a nasal irrigation device is a great option. Many people use over the counter medications in addition to a device like this. These devices are used to rinse the sinuses with a saline solution to clear out mucus, debris, and allergens. Popular devices include net pots, squeeze bottles, and rubber nasal bulbs.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Allergy Symptoms
Preventing allergy symptoms before they start is a great goal to have, especially if you know when you suffer from seasonal allergies. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms:
Find Out the Allergy Levels in Your Area - There are several websites and apps that show the pollen, mold, and dust counts in your area. Keep an eye on these levels to know if your specific allergens will be bad.
Use Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers - If you’re allergic to mold or mildew, it may be beneficial for you to use a dehumidifier to reduce the growth of mold. If you find yourself struggling with dry, irritated nasal passages, you can use a humidifier.
Vacuum More Often - When you vacuum, you’re removing dust, pollen, and other allergens off of these surfaces, which would reduce the risk of triggering your allergy symptoms.
Avoid Going Outside - When you know that the allergen count will be higher in your area, you can try to avoid being outdoors for long periods of time.
Change Out of Clothes Immediately - If you do need to be outside or you come home from being out, you should change clothes as soon as you get home. You should also wash them to remove allergens from the material.
Take a Shower - In addition to taking off the clothing you were wearing, you should take a shower to remove potential allergens from your body and hair.
You’re more equipped to handle your next allergy season knowing about the most effective treatments for seasonal allergies! And you can reduce the risk of getting symptoms by following our recommendations for preventing symptoms in the first place. If you do find yourself struggling with allergy symptoms, reach out to us for the best over the counter medication recommendations!
