8 Helpful Remedies to Get Rid of Your Allergies

Allergy sufferers worldwide always ask the same question: how do I get rid of my allergy symptoms? For some people, sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes are an annual occurrence as nature blooms around them in the spring. But for others, allergy symptoms are problematic year-round.

To help you find relief, here’s a quick discussion of what seasonal allergies are and how you can get rid of your allergy symptoms.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Allergic reactions happen when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance. Common allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.

When an allergic person is exposed to an allergen they’re sensitive to, their body releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals irritate the nasal passages, throat, and eyes, causing allergy symptoms.

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They’re often confused for the common cold. The most common allergy symptoms include coughing, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose, rash, and upset stomach.

Allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever) is a common ailment for those with seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are widespread – up to 30% of people in the U.S. have allergic rhinitis. Grass and pollen allergies may only bother you in certain seasons, but dust mites and pet dander can cause year-round allergy symptoms.

8 Ways to Get Rid of Allergies

Some children outgrow their allergies, and for some adults, allergies fade over time. But allergies can’t be cured outright. However, most people find they can be controlled and managed.

Here are eight ways to ease your allergy symptoms so you can focus on living your life:

1. Avoidance

The easiest way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid your allergens. For instance, people with horse allergies can stay away from horses, and those with cat allergies can choose a different pet.

But with some allergens, this is easier said than done. Allergens like pollen and dust mites can be hard to avoid, but there are some things you can do to help. Here are some common avoidance tactics:

• Staying inside when pollen levels are high
• Using a dehumidifier in damp places to reduce mold growth
• Covering your pillows and sheets with dust mist protective coverings
• Installing an in-home air filtration system

2. Allergy Medications

Medications like over-the-counter antihistamines (Xyzal, Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, etc.), corticosteroids, nasal sprays, decongestants, and eye drops can help ease allergy symptoms.

If your symptoms are severe or don’t respond to over-the-counter medications, your doctor can prescribe prescription medications to treat your allergies. They may refer you to an allergist for more specialized treatment and testing. While over-the-counter medications and prescription medications might help relieve some of your symptoms, they only provide short-term allergy relief.

3. Natural Remedies

Some people prefer to tackle their allergies with natural treatments, so home remedies are popular. Others try eating local honey or using essential oils. Studies have found supplements like vitamin C and butterbur may also be helpful to some allergy sufferers.

4. Air Purifiers (HEPA Filters)

Air purifiers and vacuums with HEPA filters can drastically cut indoor allergens. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of dust, mold, pollen, bacteria, and other airborne particles. What’s more, vacuums with a HEPA filter trap allergens, preventing them from being released back into the air.

5. Hypoallergenic Cleaning Supplies and Fabrics

There are a variety of hypoallergenic products on the market. These products eliminate allergens on surfaces when cleaning, helping your home stay allergen-free. They can include anti-allergen sprays, unscented detergents and cleaners, and dust-trapping cloths like microfiber. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, look for products marked unscented, hypoallergenic, or free and clear.

6. Allergen-Reducing Cleaning Techniques

In addition to vacuuming with a HEPA filter and using allergen-safe cleaning products, here are other tricks you can use to keep your home allergen-free:

• Wash bed linens frequently to avoid dust mite buildup
• Dust and wipe down surfaces regularly
• Reduce the number of soft upholstery and fabrics in your home, including carpets, throw blankets, and curtains (they can harbor dust)
• Wear a mask while cleaning
• Dust with a spray, damp cloth, or static duster to reduce the amount of allergens kicked into the air
• Eliminate possible mold sources in your home, like damp spots or leaky fixtures
• Hire an exterminator to eliminate signs of mice and cockroaches
• Dry your clothes and sheets in the dryer (rather than on an outdoor clothesline) to avoid exposing them to pollen

7. Allergy Shots

For chronic allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots. This therapy involves getting regular injections of trace amounts of an allergen (or a combination of allergens) to help your immune system get used to them. Allergy shots can be expensive, require weekly visits to the allergist's office, and take a long time to initially work.

8. Sublingual Immunotherapy Allergy Drops

Like allergy shots, allergy drops are a form of immunotherapy. This life-changing therapy works by exposing the body to the triggering allergen. Over time, your immune system builds up a tolerance and, eventually, quits responding. But where allergy shots require weekly injections at the allergist’s office, allergy drops are taken from the convenience of home and require no injections!

Are You Ready for Long-Lasting Allergy Relief?

If you’re ready for allergies to stop interfering with your life, it’s time to choose Wyndly. At Wyndly, our doctors will create your personalized treatment plan to help you live allergy-free.

Schedule your initial consultation with one of our allergy specialists today, and we’ll send you an at-home allergy test free! Book now!