Seeking Relief from Allergies

Do you suffer from allergies? Approximately 1 in 5 people suffer from some form of allergy to indoor or outdoor allergens such as foods, drugs, animals and pollens. An allergy is essentially an overreaction by the immune system to a foreign substance. Many people with allergies do not realize they are suffering from an allergic reaction. For some people the reactions are not severe, but for some it can cause coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sinus pressure and in some cases, difficulties breathing or even death.

Allergic reactions are commonly confused with cold and flu symptoms. Two of the most common symptoms that differentiate allergies from a cold or flu are fever and general aches and pain; allergies do not cause these symptoms. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, it is always best to see a medical professional.

There is no cure for allergies; they can happen to anyone and at any age in life. Many people assume that allergies start at birth but it is quite possible to develop allergies as an adult. Research shows that the children of a parent with allergies have a much higher chance of being born with, or developing, those same allergies.

Allergy sufferers who use medication to treat allergies do not always like the physical effects or side effects of taking regular doses of antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. Chronic use of these drugs can reduce their effectiveness over time, and can cause symptoms of drowsiness, nausea and dry nose/nose bleeds. Here are some more natural ways to tame and control allergies that you may not be aware of:

Eucalyptus oil has been found to be viable in the treatment of allergies and sinusitis. Eucalyptus has been used for many centuries for the relief of headache and coughs and has been proven useful for allergy sufferers as well. Eucalyptus works to clear congestion and loosen mucus.

If you can predict an allergic reaction in advance, drinking nettle tea is an excellent immunity booster. It offers relief from itchy eyes and sneezing as well as works as a natural antihistamine. It is recommended to start drinking the tea prior to exposure in order to build up the supply of the active ingredient in your system. Nettle also contains a high content of magnesium which plays a role in the body's histamine reactions.

Sinus rinses that use a saline solution are also widely available now. As an alternative to using a nasal spray which you may grow dependent on, the nasal rinse manually washes out allergens and reduces the chances of sinus infections. Use as directed and try not to over use this product as studies have shown that using a sinus rinse too frequently can actually increase the chances of getting a sinus infection by irritating sensitive mucous membranes.

For suffers of indoor allergies, air filters can provide significant relief. Using an air filter in the bedroom, or other rooms where you spend significant amounts of time, will help to remove irritants, dust and pollens from the air. These are well worth the small investment in return for the relief they can provide. Small, economical models are available as well and these can be beneficial if you work in an office environment.

Many models of vacuum cleaners on the market are designed to remove major allergens such as dust mites and irritants. They also do not vent the dust back into the air through the vacuum exhaust, so the allergens will not simply re-circulate. If you live with, or are an allergy sufferer yourself, this can be an invaluable purchase for your home.