Life with Triggers: Dealing with Allergic Rhinitis
If you are one of the millions of people who are unfortunately suffering from endless sneezing throughout the day, thinking when this allergy will calm down and how are you going to relieve the condition you are feeling. So, what can you do?
Living with allergies, especially with allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is a condition that affects the nasal passages triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or stress. It can be inherited from a family member who also has allergies and people with asthma and eczema also tend to develop allergic rhinitis. It is the lifelong uncomfortable feeling of a perennially blocked nose.
Aside from that, symptoms may also include coughing, itching of eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin, runny and stuffy nose, headache, and watery, red, and swollen eyes. These symptoms vary from person to person, depending on how severe your allergies are.
How can you cope with all-year allergy season? Here are some tips to help your life to be a little more comfortable.
- Make sure to seek professional help first so you can have the right treatment for you. Keeping a list of the symptoms you are experiencing and informing your doctor can help you on what are your triggers, especially if your hay fever affects your daily life.
- Avoid things that can make your allergies severe such as smoke, humid places, cold temperatures, and perfumes that can irritate you.
- Keep your windows closed, especially in the bedroom.
- Wash and change your bedding at least once or twice a week so dust will not cling to it.
- Keep your hands on your face and avoid rubbing your eyes and nose.
- Use sunglasses when going outside to keep off allergens.
- Choose to put filters on your vacuum and air conditioner to lessen the allergens in the air.
- Be conscious of the food intake that can trigger allergies.
- Avoid petting animals especially those with excessive fur. If you play with them, wash your hands immediately.
- Be consistent with your medication or maintenance to help manage allergic rhinitis.
This kind of condition can worsen over time if left untreated or unmanaged. It can cause disturbances in your ability to function every day. Allergic rhinitis will really make you feel uncomfortable and miserable but don’t worry, it doesn’t cause serious health problems. It is important to know what kind of medication and care will work for you.
