Nasal Allergy
Congestion
Nasal allergy congestion is a classic symptom of indoor and outdoor allergies. Whether caused by pet allergies or seasonal allergies, nasal allergy congestion can make you miserable — impacting your sleep and your everyday life.
So, what causes nasal allergy congestion? When you’re exposed to an allergen you’re sensitized against, your immune system overreacts to it by producing antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals and substances such as histamines, causing allergic and inflammatory reactions. These reactions cause your nasal allergy congestion and other nasal symptoms.
10 Tips For Preventing and Relieving Nasal Allergy Congestion
If you have allergy congestion, you probably want some relief. Here are ten things to help prevent and relieve nasal allergy congestion.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier is a quick and easy way to reduce head congestion. Breathing in the moist air can soothe irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels in your nose and sinuses. Humidifiers also thin the mucus that may be making you miserable.
Take a Shower or Steam Bath
The steam given off by a hot shower or bath can help thin out the mucus in your nose, so you can breathe normally again for a while.
Do a Nasal Irrigation
Irrigating your nasal passages with a saline solution can provide nasal congestion relief from allergies. Make sure to use distilled, sterile water or water that’s been boiled and cooled to make up the solution. Rinse the irrigation device after each use and let it air dry.
Use a Saline Spray
Saline is a saltwater solution that can increase the moisture in your nostrils. This thins out the mucus in your nasal passages and decreases the inflammation of blood vessels, which helps drain your nose.
Over the Counter (OTC) Medicine
OTC allergy meds like antihistamines work well for some people but are not effective for nasal allergy congestion. An OTC spray like Nasacort works at the source to provide up to 24-hours of nasal allergy congestion relief.*
Check Your Sleeping Position
Sleeping with your head propped up encourages mucus to flow out of your nasal passages.
Drink Lots of Fluids, Including Herbal Tea
Drinking lots of warm fluids thin out your mucus, which could help prevent blocked sinuses. It will also help to keep you hydrated by replenishing all the fluids you are losing due to your runny nose. Herbs and spices like ginger, garlic and ginseng can be used to relieve congestion caused by allergies. If you suffer from nasal allergy congestion, you can take advantage of these healing herbs in the form of tea.
Avoid Allergens
Prevention is a great way to manage allergies before they start. If you suffer from allergies, you should always make sure your home is clean and free of pet dander, dust and other allergens. Installing a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is an effective way of reducing allergens. Also, wash and sanitize your hands properly after touching something you may react to.
Avoid Chlorine
Chlorinated pools can irritate your nasal passages, so try to avoid them. But, if you really want to take a dip, try using a nose plug.
Quit Smoking
Tobacco smoke acts as an irritant and increases inflammation. There is also a risk that smoking can lead allergy sufferers to develop asthma.
By following these tips and adding Nasacort you can breathe freely.
*Some symptoms may get better on the first day of treatment. It may take up to one week of daily use to feel the most symptom relief.