What to do for allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itching in the eyes and nose. If you are one of those unfortunate souls who suffer from itchy eyes and sinus headaches regularly, we’ll tell you everything about what allergic rhinitis is and how to relieve its symptoms.

Understanding Allergic Rhinitis

Before you try out any remedies or medications, it’s important to understand the cause behind your trouble: allergies! Allergies occur when your body overreacts to substances that are harmless for most others around you. Specifically speaking about allergic rhinitis – commonly known as hay fever- this could be anything from pollen grains released from plants during springtime (seasonal) or dust mites found indoors (perennial), mold spores present throughout moist environments like bathrooms & basements (eww), pet dander or even indoor air pollution.

When your sensitive nasal tissues come into contact with these allergens they release histamines causing your immune system to react and produce inflammation in the lining of the sinuses resulting in all those irritating symptoms (ughhhh!) As said before depending on which specific substance elicited an immune response there can be two subcategories:

1) Seasonal allergies: These usually occur during a certain time of year when particular types of pollens become prominent either due to seasonal changes or blooming patterns

2) Perennial allergies: These subsist all through-the-year because attacks may stem largely from factors that persist indoors.

Natural Remedies for Relieving Those Pesky Symptoms

The following remedies might not work equally well for everyone but they’re worth giving a shot if nothing else has offered relief:

Steam inhalation

This involves breathing water vapor infused air using hot water adding essential oils or menthol – It helps in reducing congestion in the nasal passage and gives immediate relief to irritated sinuses (Ahhh! Fresh air at last!)

Saline Nasal irrigation

It involves flushing warm saltwater through one nostril while tilting your head down with it coming out of your other nostril. This remedy clears away all allergens like pollen, dust, and dirt present inside the nose. (Warning: This is a messy procedure)

Neti pots

These are primarily used for saline nasal rinse by pouring irrigant directly into each nostril using a special pitcher shaped container (mind blowing stuff).

Vitamin C supplements

1000-2000mg daily dose can help control histamine levels produced during allergic reactions which may relieve many symptoms such as watery eyes, coughs or headaches.

However, if you have trouble incorporating these remedies into your daily routine without feeling discomfort while doing so there is always medicinal therapy available too!

Medicinal Therapy

The following treatments work well depending on what type of rhinitis (seasonal/perennial) you have:

Antihistamines

Unlike Vitamin C which works irrespective of Medical diagnosis antihistamines work specifically against those pesky histamines freed from agitating allergies causing substances. They improve sneezing fits alongside itching sensation & reduce mucus production -which concomitantly relieves sinus pressure sensations i.e., (blocked nose).

There are various types reachable over-the-counter; classic ones like Dimetapp (Brompheniramine), Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and Claritin(Loratadin) among others new generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec(Cetrizine) Allegra give longer-lasting results with stunted drowsiness than classics.

If non-drowsy effect supersedes side-effect compared to flimsy desires of classic antihistamines go for them. But if a symptom control of effective response and fewer relapses are your main aim: Seek medical advice & start the prescribed one.

Corticosteroids

These are hormone like substances produced in small quantities within our body that have anti-inflammatory effects also found naturally inside Allergic Rhinitis patients by studies.

Corticosteroid sprays alleviate allergic rhinitis’s symptoms such as nasal swelling or inflammation which automatically minimises congestion without leaving behind any puzzling drowsiness side-effect still improved efficacy just like steroid pills.

Hence it’s especially preferable as a long term treatment to prevent recurring issues in order to avoid building up dependence on other medicinal regimens.

Decongestants

When nothing else works, and desparation sets in you might try using decongestant nose drops (non-oral) like Otrivin(Xylometazoline), Sudafed(Pseudoephedrine).

They open closed passages almost immediately providing excellent relief unfortunately they constrict blood vessels too sometimes aggravating hypertension warning impaired healing surrounding tissues further influxing allergens over time. only short-term use is suggested while owning calculated risks.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes making specific alterations aligned with daily living can make all the difference:

Air Quality Improvements

It is recommended reducing exposure to triggers through filtering steps likes HEPA air purifiers – not fail-proof but helps eliminating many airborne allergens (cue fresh uncontaminated air). Additionally opting out carpets, rugs or keeping pets outside if possible increases reduction opportunities for settling down mites multiple times as well!

Hydration importance

Drink enough water frequently when going outdoors prevents dehydration increasing mucosal formation against dry environments prone exacerbation leading sneezes so don’t forget your bottle!

Avoidance Techniques

Try avoiding known allergy-causing culprits implement routines into life favored toward proactive changes more aimed at promoting exposure minimization.

Understanding what you’re allergic to and making adjustments accordingly is an empowering experience, even if it means having to give up your beloved pet dog or that yearly spring vacation spot!

Final Thoughts

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition but thankfully there are many remedies (natural/medicinal) available for relief. Don’t forget the lifestyle factors such as hydration, filtration techniques etc.

Just remember everyone responds differently so try out different sets of methods – maybe they could unexpectedly work wonders & make all those (tear- jerking) symptoms go away once & forevermore!