Managing And Treating Your Allergies During The Summer - Magzinenow

Managing and Treating Your Allergies During the Summer


It’s summertime, and everyone knows how miserable allergies can make us feel. But with the right allergy treatment, we can enjoy our summers without feeling sick.

There are many types of allergy treatments available, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and natural remedies. In this article, I’ll go over each type of allergy treatment and explain why I recommend them.

Common Seasonal Allergy Triggers

The most common seasonal allergy triggers include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and ragweed. Pollen is a major cause of hay fever, which affects about 20% of people at some point during their lives. Ragweed is responsible for causing anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), which occurs when someone has already been sensitized to ragweed.

Allergic Rhinitis

Rhinitis means inflammation of the nasal passages. There are two main types: allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.

Non-allergic rhinitis occurs when there is no known allergen that causes the symptoms. The most common causes of non-allergic rhinitis are viral infections, such as colds or flu. Other possible causes include sinus pressure from obesity, smoking, or other environmental factors.

Allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to allergens. It usually begins after repeated exposures to certain allergens. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, watery eyes, postnasal drip, and congestion.

Allergy Symptoms

The most common symptoms of allergies are sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat, coughing, and wheezing. These symptoms usually occur when you’re exposed to something that triggers an allergic reaction. The most common causes of allergies are dust mites, mold spores, animal dander, pollen, and foods like peanuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soybeans, fish, shellfish, tomatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, and nuts.

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Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter antihistamines are commonly used to treat seasonal allergies. They work by blocking histamine receptors on the surface of mast cells and basophils, which are immune system cells that release histamine when they’re activated. Histamine causes itching, swelling, and mucous production.

Antihistamines also block the effects of histamine on blood vessels, so they reduce swelling and redness. Some antihistamines have sedative properties, which may help you fall asleep more easily.

Antihistamines are not effective against ragweed, but they do relieve symptoms associated with other seasonal allergens.

Prescription Drugs

A number of prescription drugs are available to treat seasonal allergies. These include oral steroids, decongestants, and leukotriene inhibitors.

Oral Steroids

Steroid nasal sprays contain corticosteroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Corticosteroids are often prescribed to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Decongestants

Decongestant nasal sprays contain pseudoephedrine, which constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling.

Leukotriene Inhibitors

Leukotriene inhibitors prevent the body from producing substances called leukotrienes, which trigger inflammation. Examples of these include montelukast and zileuton.

Natural Remedies

Many natural remedies are available to treat seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are some examples:

  • Echinacea

This herb is thought to boost your immune system and fight infection. Echinacea can be taken orally or applied topically.

  • Garlic

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that kill bacteria and viruses. It’s believed to improve immunity and protect against respiratory infections.

  • Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It’s said to promote relaxation and calm nerves. You can take lemon balm either orally or topically.

  • Mint
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Mint contains volatile oils that stimulate circulation and clear mucus. Mint tea helps ease congestion. You can use mint to make a compress to apply directly to your chest.

  • Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil relieves congestion by stimulating the lungs and relaxing muscles. You can rub peppermint oil into your chest to relieve coughs.

  • Pineapple

Pineapple has an enzyme that breaks down histamine, which makes it useful for treating allergic reactions. Pineapple juice works well for sore throats.

  • Rosemary

Rosemary is another herb that boosts immunity and fights infection. Rosemary essential oil is sometimes added to inhalers to help loosen phlegm.

  • Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant found throughout Australia. It’s known as “nature’s antibiotic” because it kills many types of bacteria, including those responsible for colds and flu.

  • Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for healthy skin and strong bones. Vitamin C supplements may help relieve hay fever symptoms.

Other Natural Products

There are several other natural products that may help alleviate seasonal allergies. For example, allergen extracts such as pollen tablets may help decrease your sensitivity to certain allergens.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy uses highly diluted doses of active ingredients to create a remedy that treats specific health conditions. Homeopathic remedies are safe and generally free of side effects. However, homeopathic treatments should not replace conventional medical care.


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