How to stop allergies naturally?
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Allergies can be a considerable source of discomfort, affecting daily life with symptoms like sneezing, nasal blockage, and itching. Rather than depending on conventional medications, there’s a treasure trove of natural remedies ready to be explored. With a little creativity and some simple tricks, you can take charge of your allergies and reclaim your day. Let’s delve into some fun, efficient methods to achieve relief for allergies and keep those allergens at a distance.
How do allergies affect the body?
Allergies happen when the immune system incorrectly perceives a harmless substance, such as pollen, pet hair, or certain foods, as a threat and overreacts. Here’s how allergies impact the body:Respiratory system:
Breathing in allergens like pollen or dust may lead to sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. In more serious instances, allergies can manifest as asthma symptoms, which include wheezing, coughing, and a feeling of breathlessness.Skin:
Allergies can trigger skin responses such as itching, redness, hives, or eczema. These reactions can occur when the skin is exposed to allergens or due to internal reactions to allergens that have been eaten.Digestive system:
Specific food allergies might induce nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain as the immune system reacts to the allergen within the digestive system.Eyes:
Allergens can irritate the eyes, resulting in itching, redness, and tearing. This condition, known as allergic conjunctivitis, is caused by airborne allergens contacting the eyes.Circulatory system:
In extreme allergic reactions, anaphylaxis may occur, resulting in a rapid decline in blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and swelling. This critical reaction requires immediate medical attention.Nervous system:
Allergies can lead to fatigue, confusion, and irritability, possibly due to inflammatory substances released during the immune response, which can influence overall energy and focus.Home remedies for allergies
Here are several beneficial home remedies to help manage and alleviate allergy symptoms:
- Saline nasal rinse: Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline (salt water) solution helps remove allergens and alleviate congestion. A neti pot or saline spray can be used for this purpose.
- Local honey: Eating small quantities of local honey might help your body adapt to local pollen, decreasing seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Apple cider vinegar: Combine a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water to try and help minimise mucus production and ease symptoms.
- Quercetin-rich foods: Foods such as apples, onions, and berries are abundant in quercetin. This is thought to be a natural antihistamine that may help mitigate allergic reactions.
- Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam can help clear congestion and soothe nasal passages. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water can enhance the effect.
- Ginger tea: Ginger contains anti-inflammatory effects that may assist in relieving congestion and irritation brought on by allergies.
- Vitamin C: Increasing your intake of vitamin C through foods like oranges, strawberries, and leafy greens can naturally help lower histamine levels.
- HEPA filters: Installing HEPA filters in your home can decrease airborne allergens, making symptom management easier indoors.
- Essential oils: Oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus may help in alleviating allergy symptoms. You can use them in a diffuser or mix a few drops with a carrier oil for topical use (but avoid eye and mouth contact).
Preventive measures
Here are several strategies to help alleviate allergy symptoms:- Reduce allergen contact: Avoid known allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet hair by keeping windows shut on days with high pollen levels, postponing outdoor activities during early morning peak pollen times, and limiting interaction with pets if you're sensitive to them.
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly dust and use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to eliminate allergens from carpets and floors. Wash bedding in hot water weekly to get rid of dust mites.
- Utilise an air purifier: Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can aid in clearing airborne allergens, lessening your indoor exposure.
- Shower and change attire after outdoor time: This practice helps to eliminate pollen and other allergens from your skin and clothes, preventing them from spreading throughout your home.
- Track pollen levels: Review daily pollen forecasts and restrict outdoor activities on days with high pollen count to minimise allergic responses.
- Employ allergy-resistant covers: Putting allergy-proof covers on pillows, mattresses, and box springs can diminish contact with dust mites and other allergens.
- Maintain low humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity under 50% since dust mites and mould thrive in moist environments.
- Refrain from smoking and exposure to smoke: Smoke can exacerbate allergies and intensify symptoms, so avoid smoking and second-hand smoke exposure.
- Wear sunglasses and a mask: Sunglasses can shield your eyes from pollen, while a mask may lessen the inhalation of airborne allergens.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water supports mucus thinning and maintains moisture in the respiratory system, aiding your body in managing allergens more effectively.
When to seek a doctor’s appointment?
If your allergy symptoms continue, worsen, or disrupt daily activities despite using home remedies or over-the-counter medications, seek a doctor's appointment. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience trouble breathing, chest pressure, or severe wheezing, as these may signal asthma or an allergic reaction. Ongoing symptoms such as a constant stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or persistent throat pain may also necessitate a medical check-up. Furthermore, if you observe hives, swelling, or digestive issues following exposure to specific foods or allergens, assessment may be required to determine specific allergies. Consulting a doctor can help pinpoint triggers and offer targeted treatments, including prescription medications, or referrals for immunotherapy, and desensitisation treatments to enhance quality of life.Opting for telehealth
Choosing telehealth can be an effective and convenient way to handle allergy symptoms. Telehealth enables you to connect with a healthcare provider from your home, facilitating discussions about your symptoms, triggers, and treatment options without needing to visit in person. This approach is helpful for individuals experiencing mild to moderate allergy symptoms who don’t require urgent, face-to-face care. In a telehealth doctor consultation, you can receive advice on over-the-counter medications, lifestyle changes, and home remedies to help ease your symptoms. If needed, the provider can prescribe medications, medical certificates or recommend you for allergy testing. Telehealth provides a flexible and accessible method for managing allergies while reducing exposure to potential allergens in a healthcare environment.See a GP online within just 15 minutes.
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Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.