Outsmart Nasal Allergy

Spring is almost coming to a close and the summer season is fast approaching. This means that people will be spending more and more time outdoors. Taking a jog, walking, running, or strolling outdoors in the sunshine gives great benefits to your health and well-being, but could also be a downer to individuals who are prone to allergies.

Nasal Allergy

Nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis is a respiratory condition that is a result of inhaling allergens in the air. These allergens can be pollen, dust, animal dander or mold spores.

When nasal allergy arises, a person who inhales these foreign substances will exhibit some type of allergic reaction. The body is forced to produce an increased amount of antibodies called histamine. Histamine can cause tissue destruction, blood vessel dilation and inflammation. Thus, nasal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, red and watery eyes, stuffy runny nose, nasal itching, nasal congestion and fatigue usually occur. People who often suffer from nasal allergy are more likely to develop asthma and sinusitis.

Smart Ways to Prevent Nasal Allergy

It is almost always impossible to avoid the elements since they are present in our natural environment all the time. However, preventing an allergy attack is possible and can save you from severe nasal allergy symptoms. If you are highly prone to nasal allergy, minimize your exposure to allergens by wearing a pollen mask during high pollen count period as well as closing your windows. Find ways to do your cardio exercise indoors instead of running outdoors during allergy season. It is better to be safe than to compromise your immune system. Air filters installed at home, allergy shots and Vitamin C are helpful in combating nasal allergy as well. One of the best prevention methods is rinsing the nasal passages with salt and water solutions.

Anti-Histamine Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays are widely available in drugstores, but most of them cause drowsiness, and decreased mental alertness for a period of time. Decongestants for stuffy nose can cause elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate and sleeping difficulty. In some cases, nasal steroids can cause nosebleeds and crusts while prolonged usage of this substance result to bone thinning, cataracts and diabetes. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, these OTC medications can control some of the symptoms but are proven to be less effective than doctor-prescribed medications.

Medicated Nasal Irrigation to Fight Nasal Allergy

Rinsing the nasal passages reap superior benefits for acute and chronic allergic rhinitis sufferers. A method called medicated nasal irrigation (nasal rinse, nasal washing) is known to be helpful in fighting nasal allergy. During nasal irrigation, allergens, airborne elements and debris that are trapped in the nasal passages and sinus cavity are cleansed out.

Medicated nasal irrigation have been found to be one of the best ways to flush out unwanted elements in the nose as well as helps in draining impacted sinuses. One can easily irrigate with a nasal irrigator that uses a preservative-free saline solution made with all natural sea salt ingredient. Medicated nasal irrigation procedure is always safe, smooth and effective since it uses a custom-molded irrigator bottle that ensures a good directional flow to the nose.

Consult your doctor to outsmart your nasal allergy. It is important to keep your sinus health in check.