The treatment of nasal allergies begins with prevention. Here are the main ways
Nasal allergies are a common condition that varies in causes and symptoms from person to person. Many people wonder if there is a permanent and easy solution for treating nasal allergies. The scientific answer, in short, is: no. It often requires long-term or lifelong treatment.
While it’s true that nasal allergies cannot be completely cured, as mentioned, preventative measures can be taken both at home and in daily routines. This initial step is part of the treatment and aims to avoid allergens. Read on to discover in this article how to prevent nasal allergies, along with their causes and common accompanying symptoms.
The causes of nasal allergies.
Some people develop nasal allergies when exposed to foreign substances. The immune system perceives these substances as threats and triggers its defense mechanisms by producing antibodies known as immunoglobulins and releasing a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages, leading to itching and redness in the nose. The following are the causes of nasal allergies and sinus inflammation, which are foreign substances present in the surrounding environment.
- Particles in carpets, curtains, upholstery, and furniture
- Pet dander
- Germs
- Cockroaches
- Saliva or droppings from certain animals
- Certain types of food
- High temperatures
- High humidity
- Polluted air
- Some types of perfumes
- Hair sprays
- Incense and smoke from burning wood
- Cigarette smoke
- Pollen grains in flowers during the spring season
The symptoms of nasal allergies.
- The feeling of itchiness in the nose, eyes, or throat
- Severe skin dryness with the appearance of hives
- Loss of smell
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Coughing
- Ear congestion
- Sore throat
- Swelling under the eyes and the appearance of dark circles
- Feeling of chills
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Nasal congestion and blockage
- Sinusitis
- Headaches
Methods of preventing nasal allergies.
- Avoid going out unless absolutely necessary on days when meteorological warnings indicate high pollen activity, especially during the spring season.
- Take a shower after entering the house.
- Keep doors and windows tightly closed on stormy days and allergy seasons.
- Use air conditioning instead of opening windows to ventilate rooms.
- Make a medical mask covering your nose and mouth your constant companion when exposed to air, animals, or being in areas with allergens.
- Regularly clean carpets.
- Continuously clean the nose when experiencing a runny nose using saline solution or readily available saline sachets found in pharmacies.
Note: Some individuals are more susceptible to nasal allergies and sinusitis than others due to genetic reasons or because they suffer from asthma or eczema.
The treatment for nasal allergies.
As mentioned in the introduction of the article, curing nasal allergies completely is not possible. However, there are temporary or long-term treatments available. Moreover, treatments can vary and proliferate depending on each case and its severity. Medications are among the prominent treatments for nasal allergies, but we won’t delve into the details or list them all, of course. It is advisable to consult a specialized doctor who can prescribe them based on their effectiveness and the individual’s diagnosis.