Tips on how to manage allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused due to external and internal allergens. According to research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, over 20-30% of Indians suffer from allergic rhinitis. Sneezing, itching, a blocked or running nose, itchy and watery eyes are all symptoms of the illness. Pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroach waste, animal dander, fumes and odor, hormonal change, and smoke can trigger the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. When your body comes in contact with an allergen, it will naturally release a histamine chemical that can trigger the allergic symptom.

Allergic rhinitis can harm your personal and professional life. Hence, the condition needs timely treatment. Along with other allergic rhinitis treatments, a simple lifestyle change can also help you manage your allergic symptoms better:

• You need to know about your condition and its severity to take the correct steps to manage its symptoms. Allergic rhinitis symptoms can differ from person to person. Therefore, you need to know about your allergic symptoms to treat them better. 
• Environmental dirt particles can trigger your allergy symptoms. To stay protected from these allergies, take a bath, change into clean clothes, and leave your shoes outside.
• Pet dander can trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms. The dust that enters your home during the day can worsen your symptoms. Hence, keep your house clean and protected from dust.
• As a precautionary measure, wear an N95 mask. This filter protects you from 95% of pollen and other dust particles (Src: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health America). 

Wear amask while you work in areas with industrial and chemical pollutants to protect yourself from pollen and allergen exposure. 

• Steam inhalation can relieve a nasal congestion. This process can help loosen the mucus from your nasal passage and make it easy to breathe. 

Take a bowl of hot water and add a few drops of essential oil like peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus and tea tree. Use a towel to cover the head. Lean over the bowl and take deep breaths for 5 to 10 minutes. Then blow your nose thoroughly to get rid of the symptoms. You can follow this process multiple times for better results.

• Avoid coming in contact with fumes like aerosols or sprays that can worsen your rhinitis symptoms.
• Drink stinging nettle tea as an alternative therapy to reduce and manage the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 

Mix one tablespoon of dried stinging nettle leaf in a cup of hot water. Allow it to steep in for 5 minutes. Stain the leaf and add honey to the mixture. Have it two or three times a day till you notice a reduction in the symptoms.

• Consume vitamin C rich foods that include oranges, lemons, broccoli, kiwi, potatoes, strawberries, grapefruit, tomatoes, sprouts and bell peppers to manage your allergic symptoms better. They have immune-boosting properties that can protect you from infection and reduce the duration of your illness effectively. 
• Turmeric has natural medicinal benefits that include antioxidant, immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms. 

Turmeric is a versatile spice you can easily include in various dishes. Add some black pepper to the preparation and enhance the medical compounds of turmeric.

• Drink diluted apple cider vinegar, which has antioxidant, antibacterial and detoxifying properties; this can help you get rid of germs that cause allergic rhinitis. Mix 1-2 spoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water and drink once to treat the allergic symptoms
• According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), out of the 20% of allergic rhinitis patients in India, 15% of them develop asthma. Hence, this condition needs professional treatment.

People have formed several myths about allergic rhinitis in their minds. These are some of the myths:

• Selected flower pollens can trigger allergic rhinitis.
• The trigger to the condition is hay that can cause fever.
• This condition is harmless.
• Smoking cannot be the reason for allergic rhinitis.

Well, here are the myth breakers:

• Allergies to pollen are a common cause of allergic rhinitis. However, some pollens are sticky and big, hence cannot be transferred. Amaranth (pigweed), chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, goldenrod and common sunflowers have small pollen that can increase the risk of pollen exposure.
• Although allergic rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever, the trigger to the allergy is pollen. The symptoms you may notice include a clogged nose, teary eyes and running nose.
• It is not a condition to be taken lightly. This condition can affect your sleep pattern, which can lead to daytime sleepiness and exhaustion. It can also affect your mental and body function. As a result, it is critical to have your health checked and treated as soon as possible.
• Smoking or secondhand smoke might aggravate allergic rhinitis. Smoking by parents can harm the respiratory health of their children (Src: NCBI). Yes, smoking can cause the illness as well as induce the symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis can also lead to other health issues. As a result, if you have allergic rhinitis, you should contact a specialist and seek expert care.