There are many types of allergies, some of it can be itchy, some of it can be scratchy, while other can be sneezy. Whenever there is an allergy it can make you feel little irritated. It is better to look out for an anti-allergy pill whenever there are symptoms of an upcoming allergy, else you can try some of the common antihistamines mentioned below. Additionally, you would need to watch out for pollens, mites, dander, and other minute particles that could be triggering an allergy.
How Allergies Occur?
Allergies are nothing but symptoms of a problem with your immune system. It means your immune system is constantly under attack from simple and gentle substances such as pollen, atmospheric dust, etc… Under normal circumstances, your immune system ignores these particles and focuses more on other microbes and micro-organisms such as bacterias and viruses. But, sometimes it can go haywire and cannot differentiate a real threat from a harmless one.
Some common allergens includes soaps, peanuts, milk, insect bite, pollens, dust, saw dust, injections, and certain drugs.
Natural Antihistamines
Nettle: It has a certain natural chemical substance that is antihistamine in nature. There are some professional Doctors across the world who reportedly use it to naturally come out of allergies. There are pills and capsules of nettle leaves available in the market. If you could find it, opt for a 500mg tablet and take it two or three times a day depending on the severity of the allergy.
Ginkgo Biloba: Most people take Ginkgo Biloba to give a little boost to their memory power, in fact, it is well known for it. But apart from boosting your memory, it can also stop certain allergies more effectively, this is due to the presence of a chemical substance in it called ginkgolides. This chemical is known to neutralize many allergies and cure it on its tracks. You can take 60 to 240mg worth of pills a day.
Quercetin: If you have never heard about quercetin before, it is a chemical substance or a pigment that gives grapes, and brinjal its attractive purple color. Quercetin is clinically proven to inhibit the release of histamine, which is the main reason for many allergies. You can take 500mg of quercetin supplement once or twice a day.
Look out for Omega-3 Fatty Acids
omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory in nature, so it counters the inflammation that generates allergies. Fishes such as salmon and mackerel are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, you can include them in your regular diet or opt for fish-oil supplements available in the market. Do not consume more than 3000mg of fish oil a day.
Alternatively, flaxseed oil is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acid, you can add them to your salads or take in a tablespoon of the oil directly once a day, preferably after food. Flaxseed oils will lose their fatty acids when it is heated, so do not consume it in cooked form.
Make use of Simple Soothing Methods
If you have swollen red eyes that is itchy then take clean cotton cloth, damp it with cold water (room temperature) and place the cloth over your eyes to find temporary relief. You can repeat the process whenever you want to find a little relief.
If you have problems with breathing in the fresh air due to blocks in your nasal passage, you can make use of nasal sprays available in the market, but some studies reveal the fact that chemicals and preservatives used in these sprays can actually damage your sinus tissues and cells. So if possible make your own nasal spray. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water (Warm), let the salt dissolve completely. Fill this liquid into a bulb syringe, lean over the sink and spray the solution into your nasal openings.
Protect Yourself from Pollens
- If your home is nearby a garden with lots of plants or near a park with lots trees, then its always advisable to keep your doors and windows closed. You can turn on the air conditioner to stop the pollens in their tracks. Remember the pollen circulation reach their peaks during evening times, so stay indoors during those times.
- Stay indoors when you notice an approaching thunderstorm, and do not get out at least three hours after the rains are gone. Most rains and storms come with a period of high humidity, which will make the pollens to grow in size, burst and make it release an irritating starch, which can lead to allergies.
- Pollens mainly attacks your eyes, so whenever you have to go out walking or have to ride your bike, wear a wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from allergies.
- To protect your nose and nasal pathway, use a little petroleum jelly and slather it around your nose to trap the pollen on its tracks.
- Whenever you have to go out for a drive, keep your car windows closed and use the air-conditioner. Make use of recirculate option as the air conditioner can bring in pollinated from the outside.
- Pollens easily settle down on top of your hair and you will hardly notice it, this can make you as a potential source of pollen and make your family members prone to allergies. So always wash your hair before heading to bed to present this transmission.
- Do you know that contrary to your belief most flowering doesn’t release pollens in the air, they depend on honey bees and other insects for pollination. So the main source of pollens in the air are trees, grasses, and ragweed.
When to seek the help of a Doctor?
Allergies on most occasions are kind of irritating, but sometimes it can become pretty severe and get dangerous. If the remedies provided here are not subsiding your condition or not helping to bring it down, then its high time you seek a professional help from a Doctor.
Just know that wheezing or breathing problem can get really serious with allergies, sometimes it can even be a sign of asthma attack. So rush to a Doctor immediately. A similar measure is needed when you suffer from hives or welts.
How to Keep the Mites under control?
- Mites are one of the main sources of allergies, they thrive almost everywhere in your home, your pillows, bedsheets, curtains, beds, etc… faces of mites are the main triggering agent for allergies. Just know that mites live in the dust and they feed on your dead skin cells. So make use of special pillow covers and bed sheets that repels allergens. These types of pillow covers and bed sheets are available in the market and drugstores.
- Vacuum your home regularly. Vacuum cleaners remove those micro-particles that are potential allergens. So vacuuming your home not only makes your home tidy, they also protect you from allergies.
- Always wash your bed sheets and pillow covers once a week. Ensure that you are using hot or warm water to wash it, to kill off the mites and other microbes.
- Humid home is a breeding ground for mites, so get yourself a dehumidifier and keep the air inside your home dry to repel the mites and to keep their population down.
Maintain healthy distance with your pets
I know you love your pets like your own children and treat it equal to a human. But tiny hairs from your pets can put your lungs in big trouble and can lead to allergies. So keep your pet out of your bedroom. If you have someone in your home who has lung and breathing problems then do not bring the pets inside the house.
Best way to keep your pet outside would be to build a small dog house or pet house on your lawn and let it stay there. Do you know that dogs love to be outdoors? So it is a great solution and also healthy option for both of you.
Keep your pets clean and free of dander. Make sure you are giving your pet a nice bath at least once a week.
Sometimes a little kiss can land you in trouble
Keep track of the foods that your partner is allergic to. There is a real story that happened in Mayo Clinic which describes a woman who was allergic to shellfishes. She happened to kiss her partner who just had some shrimp for dinner. In no time her lips started to swell, had wheezing and breathing problem, and her blood pressure started to shoot up. Fortunately, she survived with immediate medical attention. But just keep in mind that if your partner is allergic to certain foods, then it is better you avoid having that food as well.
Opt for an Air Filter with HEPA filters
Most air filters available in the market are very ineffective or less effective in repelling and keeping out allergens inside the home. But studies have shown that Air filters with HEPA filters can do a better job of keeping the air pure and free of allergy-causing pollens, dander, dust etc..
Keep the Air Clear
- Air conditioning your home is the best option you got to keep the air inside clear of allergens. Air conditioners ensure the air inside the house is dry and keep the humidity low, so discourages more allergens and mites inside. Make sure all the windows and doors are closed while the Air conditioner is running.
- Apart from Air conditioners if you can go one step ahead and get yourself a HEPA air filter, it will ensure that your home is almost free of allergens such as pollens, specks of dust, pet danders etc.. Like with Air conditioners you should also keep your doors and windows closed while your Air filter is running. This will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the air cleaner.
- Keeping your home clean and tidy is the best way to keep the allergens away. Many Doctors suggest giving your home a complete cleaning job twice a year. If you cannot do it yourself, you can always hire some people to do it for you.
- Ensure your basement is in top shape, as most basements are breeding grounds for mites, molds, and mildew. If possible use a dehumidifier and keep it running all the time.