Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, can cause sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and coughing. You can manage your symptoms through self-care, which may involve using nasal rinses, filtering the air in your home, and avoiding triggers. Perennial allergic rhinitis, which involves year-round symptoms, usually results from indoor allergens like pet hair or dust mites. Alternatively, seasonal allergic rhinitis happens in the spring, summer, or fall, often due to outdoor allergens like pollen.
Read on to learn some self-care tips for allergic rhinitis.
Taking antihistamines
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are medications that can help lessen allergic rhinitis signs and symptoms like:
- itchiness
- sneezing
- congestion
- runny nose
When you encounter an allergen, your body may produce too much of a chemical called histamine, triggering an overreaction that leads to irritating symptoms. Antihistamines work to block some chemical effects of this immune system response.
However, it’s important to know that some antihistamines, called “first-generation antihistamines,” may make you drowsy. Second-generation antihistamines, so named because of their later Food and Drug Administration approval and market appearance, are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Popular OTC allergic rhinitis medications include:
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- loratadine (Claritin)
- cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Learn more about giving antihistamines to your child.
Using nasal rinses
A homeopathic treatment that might provide additional relief is nasal rinses. Designed to flush out mucus and allergens from your nasal passages, manufacturers can sell these products as premade bottles of liquid or nasal irrigation devices.
These devices include neti pots or sinus bulbs that send a saline solution through your sinus cavities. The solution may help thin mucus and remove allergens as it flows out of your nostrils.
However, talking with your doctor about using nasal rinses and irrigation products is essential. Using nasal irrigation safely and correctly can help prevent the situation from worsening.
Learn more about making a saline rinse for your nose or mouth.
Using air filters or purifiers
Installing air filters in your home may help relieve your symptoms when you’re indoors. You can apply air filters to your heating and cooling ducts to clean the air passing through your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Regularly cleaning and inspecting filters enables them to trap particles like dust, dander, and mold spores.
Alternatively, portable air purifiers may help to clean the air in smaller spaces in your home. A 2020 study found that air purifiers equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters reduced the need for medications in people with allergic rhinitis triggered by house dust mites.
Learn more about what to look for in an air filter.
Avoiding triggers
Avoiding your triggers when possible may help decrease allergic rhinitis symptoms. First, you’ll need to identify your triggers. You can determine them by documenting when the symptoms occur and trigger exposures beforehand. Alternatively, an allergist can help you figure out what causes your allergic rhinitis through testing.
Once you know what worsens your symptoms, try to avoid those irritants. For some, this might mean limiting outdoor exposure and closing windows on high pollen days. For others, keeping pets out of certain areas in their homes, like the bedrooms, might lessen symptoms.
Learn more about 8 spring allergy triggers and how to avoid them.
Regulating the humidity in your home
Too much humidity inside your house can also cause allergic rhinitis symptoms. When the moisture in your home is high, allergens like mites, mildew, and mold can spread.
Humidifiers can be great for remedying dry air, which can also irritate your sinuses. Still, too much moisture may also worsen the symptoms.
Keeping your home clean
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, regular home cleaning may help manage allergen levels and lessen your allergic rhinitis symptoms. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter may help rid your carpet fibers of allergen particles and reduce dust mite populations.
Cleaning your bathroom, which usually has high moisture levels, is a good way to reduce mold and mildew. Finally, regularly washing your sheets might prevent allergic rhinitis flare-ups while you sleep.
It’s important to use nonscented detergents and dry your fabrics inside to avoid reintroducing irritants.
When to see a doctor
Many people experience mild allergic rhinitis. However, more severe cases may require medical treatment.
If your symptoms are severe and interfere with daily activities or quality of life, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Severe symptoms can include:
- a persistent cough
- extreme congestion
- chronic sinus infections
- symptoms that don’t respond to at-home self-care methods
Additionally, if your allergic rhinitis symptoms don’t ease when the seasons change and last year-round, get medical advice. An allergist can help you identify your triggers and recommend treatments to manage your condition.
Learn more about allergic rhinitis treatments.
Summary
Allergic rhinitis can be uncomfortable and irritating. You can relieve mild allergic rhinitis by making lifestyle changes and trying at-home self-care methods. However, severe allergic rhinitis or cases when the condition lasts year-round may require medical care.
For mild to moderate and severe allergic rhinitis, preventing and reducing exposure to your triggers may reduce symptoms.
Talk with your doctor about ways to manage allergic rhinitis.