With spring coming, many people start to worry about their seasonal allergies. Allergy is when a person’s immune system reacts to certain allergens that other people are not affected by. They cause symptoms such as runny noses, rashes and itching, sneezing and coughing, congestion, watery eyes etc. This causes people feeling miserable throughout their allergic reaction which requires the attention of an experienced allergist.

People can be allergic to things such as pollen, dust and dust mites, pet dander and other allergens. However, there are ways you can treat and prevent allergic reactions.

Preventing allergic reactions during peak season

We have gathered some useful tips to save you from feeling miserable this spring. If you follow these, you will hopefully be able to get yourself some relief from your allergies.

Keep your windows closed and turn on the air conditioner

You might be hesitant to keep the air conditioner running because of all the electricity bills, but if you are allergic to outdoor allergens, this is important. Keeping the windows closed will keep the allergens outside your house, therefore decreasing any exposure to them.

The air conditioner will make sure you get fresh air to breathe and circulate the air properly around the house. Make sure the AC’s filters are properly cleaned or else the air quality inside your house will decrease. Moreover, dirty filters will allow dust particles to enter your house. To keep yourself safe from outside allergens, you need to keep them outside. Therefore, keep the windows closed, clean the air conditioner’s filters and turn it on.

Use prescription nasal sprays and eye drops

If your allergic reactions affect your nose and eyes, it is best to use prescription nasal sprays and eye drops to give yourself some relief. However, only use them after consulting your doctor. Some nasal sprays provide relief by reducing the nose swelling.

Other nasal sprays block histamines by going directly to the nasal area. Oral antihistamines work exactly like such nasal sprays except that they are not directly delivered to the troublesome area, that is, the nose. However, if these don’t work for you, there are also a variety of decongestion medications available to help soothe nasal congestions.

Decongestion nasal sprays are also available but overusing them can constrict the blood vessels in the nose. Similarly, prescription eye drops help you get relief from the itchy and the watery eyes. Allergies that bother the eyes are also referred to as eye allergies. While some sprays and medications do not require a prescription, it is always better to consult a doctor before using anything. You can also use natural remedies to relief you from nasal congestions. For example, rinsing your nose with saltwater is said to clean out any allergens from your nose.

Use over the counter allergy medications

Over the counter allergy medications mean that you do not require a doctor’s prescription to get them. Many oral antihistamines are now available over the counter. However, if you cannot find any medication that is available without requiring a prescription, consulting a doctor for a substitute medicine is your best option. Oral antihistamines block the histamines that is responsible for the allergic reactions. Hence, they relieve you from allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, nasal congestion etc. Some antihistamines might even make you sleepy, while others do not. If things get worse, you can consult your doctor and get an allergy shot.

Conclusion

There are many ways to prevent and get relief from allergic reactions. If you consult an allergy physician Manassas, always ask them of things you can do to avoid the reactions. You should always keep emergency medications or shots that the doctor has recommended with you in case things get worse.