According to the World Allergy Organization (WAO), over 400 million of the world’s population suffer from allergic rhinitis. This means allergic rhinitis is among the top, most common chronic diseases plaguing many people.
Another essential fact about allergic rhinitis (or AR) is that it’s triggered by breathing in tiny particles in the air, such as animal dander, dust, pollen, and spores. Therefore, during windy weather, people with AR are advised to avoid the outdoors. Otherwise, they will experience the following symptoms:
- Itchiness of the nose, eyes, and throat
- Hives
- Headache
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing or stuffiness
It’s important to mention, too, that AR can be a trigger to an asthma attack and other respiratory issues. Thus, it’s no surprise that many deem having AR a life quality downgrade because apart from the symptoms listed above, this allergy causes other physical discomforts.
Many people with allergic rhinitis say that they often have trouble getting to sleep and getting enough sleep due to nasal symptoms. Not getting enough rest at night further weakens their immune system and makes them prone to other common diseases. Likewise, their cognitive functioning suffers. They feel woozy and exhausted during the day.
But there are many ways to outwork the setbacks created by allergic rhinitis. So, if you are among the 400 million with AR, here are effective ways to maintain a good quality of life despite this health setback.
1. Find the best allergy medicine.
An allergy medicine (such as Telfast) that works for you and does not make you drowsy is a fantastic solution. Typically, after taking medicine, allergy symptoms will be gone in just an hour, and you can go about your day like you usually would.
But, as effective as allergy medications, you still need to implement preventative strategies so you won’t have to take medicine often. It’s best to limit medicine intake to protect both your stomach lining and the liver.
2. Clean your space.
Make cleaning your space a daily habit. This can do so much in preventing flare-ups, and the physical exertion can boost the efficiency of your immune system.
Dust and sweep all surfaces using a vacuum. Vacuum cleaners work best because they don’t scatter or spread allergens up into the air. Afterward, mop or wipe surfaces with a damp cloth with disinfectant. Likewise, change your bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets often. Wash and dry them using a machine dryer.
Being consistent with cleaning your home will keep your AR at bay and create a cozier living space for you to sleep in comfortably.
3. Bathe after spending time outdoors.
For people with AR, spending a lot of time outdoors is discouraged. However, if you have to go out because of work and important appointments, make sure you bathe when you get home. Shower, shampoo, and scrub your body to get rid of weed pollen stuck to your hair and skin.
Also, if you bathe right away, you’ll prevent allergens from transferring to the furniture and in the different rooms of your house.
4. Wear a mask and protective eyewear.
Wearing protective face masks and eyewear may have looked weird months ago, but with the COVID-19 situation, it has become customary to don these. Use this trend to your advantage in putting your AR under control because doctors say these pieces of protective gear will limit your exposure to allergens effectively as well.
If you have such protection, you can take on a variety of outdoor activities without worrying about suddenly breaking into a long coughing or sneezing fit, and red, puffy eyes.
5. Take your probiotics.
Probiotics are loaded with live microorganisms that work against harmful bacteria, which arrest the immune system. Therefore, with the help of probiotics, the immune system response to allergens improves.
This has been proven by studies that showed significant improvement with AR symptoms in children and adults due to dust mites. There are various sources of probiotics other than supplements. You can get your daily dose from fermented vegetables such as kimchi and sauerkraut, miso, kefir, yogurt (unless you’re lactose-intolerant), and kombucha.
6. Invest in an air purifier.
Improve the air quality in your home or workplace by buying an air purifier that catches allergens and other irritants. Place this device on your work table, so you can be sure that the air circulating and closest to you is clean and fresh.
There are compact versions of this device that you can also use in your car or bring with you.
7. Have your home’s HVAC system cleaned.
Another way to improve the quality of your air at home is by having your HVAC system cleaned. Hire the pros for the job. They’ll clean the filter and the entire machine to ensure that there are no molds and other potentially harmful elements that can be released.
During allergy season, you will rely heavily on your AC to maintain a safe and comfortable abode. So, ensure it’s optimum functioning to support your health and wellbeing.
8. Always bring a tumbler of water with you.
Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to relieve the discomfort created by allergic rhinitis. Likewise, you can use the water for a quick wash if your eyes (or entire face) are itchy.
It’s worthy to note, too, that histamine production increases when you’re dehydrated. Thus, to control histamine levels and allergic symptoms better, drink plenty of water.
9. Consider immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is something to consider if you wish to be liberated entirely from allergic rhinitis. Immunotherapy aims to make the immune system less sensitive to allergy triggers such as dust mites, grass pollen, molds, and others.
Think about this option thoroughly, though, because it is one of those solutions wherein the situation usually gets worse before it gets better. However, this has proven effective for a lot of people — 75 to 85 percent effectiveness for people with AR. Therefore it deserves consideration in banishing allergic rhinitis altogether for a better quality of life.
Indeed, it’s not easy living with allergic rhinitis, but you can regain control of it even during the peak allergy season as long as you implement these tips.