How to treat allergies at home

How to get rid of allergies forever, is it possible? Unfortunately, in most cases it is impossible to recover from allergies, the disease always sticks to a person. However, even with a chronic disease you can live a full life. In addition to medical drugs, there are also folk remedies for allergies, with the help of which you can not only relieve symptoms of the disease at home, but also make your life much easier.

What is allergy

To know how to get rid of allergies, you need to have information about what kind of disease, how it occurs. Allergic reactions in the human body occur when his immune system makes a mistake in evaluating foreign matter, such as grass and tree pollen, bee venom, microscopic dead skin cells of animals or food. It produces special substances, or antibodies, that recognize this substance as harmful, although in reality it is not. When a person comes into contact with an allergen, the reaction of his immune system can cause redness and itching of the skin, fill the sinuses with mucus, cause swelling of the airways or adversely affect the digestive system.

Allergies can occur in mild form (minor irritations from contact with the allergen) and severe, up to angioedema and anaphylactic shock – a life-threatening condition. Most often, people who have already experienced allergies have been susceptible to its development. Children also often suffer from allergic reactions.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergic symptoms are specific to a particular irritant and may affect the respiratory tract, nasal sinuses, skin and digestive system.

Respiratory allergies (hay fever, allergic rhinitis) can cause sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, conjunctivitis (increased tearing, inflammation of the outer lining of the eye). Allergens in this case are pollen, animal skin cells, mold.

Food allergies are responsible for swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat, pruritus, urticaria and anaphylactic shock. Most often it is caused by nuts (hazelnuts, peanuts), cereals (wheat, soybean), seafood, eggs, dairy products.

Allergy to insect bites (such as bees or wasps) causes swelling at the site of the bite, itching all over the body, rash, coughing, cramped breathing, anaphylactic shock.

Medication allergy can cause skin manifestations (urticaria, itching, rash), barking cough, anaphylactic shock. Most often an allergic reaction is caused by penicillin or drugs based on it.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, can cause itching, redness of the skin with the formation of bubbles and crusts. It can be caused by touching substances like latex.

The presence of allergies increases the risk of other medical problems, including attacks of bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is the reaction of the immune system that affects the airways; most often caused by the presence of an allergen in the environment. Allergies also increase the risk of sinusitis and infections of the ears and lungs; this risk increases with asthma.

Anaphylactic shock

Some types of allergies, including allergies to food and insect bites, can cause a severe reaction, known as anaphylactic shock. It threatens human life. If a person has lost consciousness, his blood pressure has dropped, he is breathing heavily, his head is spinning, his pulse is fast and weak, his nausea or tears are all signs of anaphylactic shock.

When you need to see a doctor

What should I do if I have allergies if over-the-counter drugs do not help? In this case, you should consult a doctor. Only a qualified allergist can tell you how to cure allergies. If symptoms occur after starting a new medication, you should immediately consult with the doctor who prescribed it.

How to treat allergies if it comes to anaphylactic shock? You should immediately call an ambulance or seek emergency medical care. It is advisable to have an injector with adrenaline and immediately apply it. Even if the symptoms disappear after the injection, you should immediately seek medical help – you need to make sure that they will not return after the effects of adrenaline have passed.

Diagnosis: Allergy

To cure chronic allergies, a series of diagnostic procedures should be performed. After examination, the doctor may recommend to undergo either a skin test for allergies (when the doctor makes a small injection or scratches the skin with a special medical instrument, and then applies a substance containing a potential allergen to it), or perform a blood test (it determines the number of specific allergens contained in the blood ). Only after making a diagnosis can you think about how to cure allergies.

How to treat allergies, and how to avoid them

What to do with allergies? First of all, it is necessary to avoid exposure to the allergen. For example, the prevention of seasonal allergy to pollen is to be at home as much as possible with flowering windows, doors and high-purity filters installed on the air conditioner as much as possible whenever possible. Eliminating the effects of allergens on the body in many cases allows you to get rid of allergies.

How to treat allergies with medications

Drugs will not help get rid of allergies, but in most cases relieve the symptoms of this disease. Antiallergic medications affect the immune system and reduce the release of substances responsible for the symptoms of the disease. The doctor may prescribe antiallergic drugs to the patient in the form of tablets, nasal sprays, inhalers, eye drops or liquids or injections.

First of all, antihistamines are used for allergies. This is a very effective medication. Antihistamines of the first generation – Tavegil, Suprastin, Dimedrol. They usually act very quickly, but they have a number of side effects, such as neurological symptoms – weakness, fatigue, drowsiness. Their other advantage is the low price, so if you do not know how to treat allergies and are looking for inexpensive allergy pills, it is preferable to use the funds of this class.

Such drugs as fexofenadine, loratadine, cetirizine, and levocetirizine belong to the antiallergic drugs of the new generation. Most of them are not cheap pills, however, they are more effective than first generation products. Most importantly, they are more suitable for the treatment of chronic allergic manifestations. However, the patient is not always able to choose their own pills. For this purpose, it is better to ask the doctor for advice, and he will answer how to treat allergies, how to get rid of its unpleasant symptoms, and which drugs are more suitable for this.

But it may happen that the treatment of chronic allergy with antihistamines does not bring the desired effect. How to treat allergies in such a case? As a rule, then resort to the use of hormonal drugs belonging to the class of glucocorticosteroids. Among these drugs can be noted hydrocortisone, betamethasone, prednisone, dexomethasone. In most cases, these drugs are used in external form – in the form of hormonal ointments and creams. There are also hormonal pills for allergies. However, in order to avoid the occurrence of severe side effects, hormonal antiallergic tablets should be taken in short courses and only as directed by a physician.

Other methods

Also, the doctor may suggest immunotherapy. With this method of treating allergies, the patient’s body is deliberately exposed to the allergen in small doses, usually for several years. Allergen is introduced into the body in the form of 1 tablet under the tongue or injection. In some cases, you can cure allergies forever. But not all types of allergies can be cured this way. In many cases, allergy treatment can be successful only if the individual reactions of the person to this predispose.

A diary is useful for controlling allergic manifestations. It is advisable to take notes every day, to mark your condition after exposure to certain substances. This will help both to identify existing allergies and to avoid the occurrence of allergic exacerbation.

If the allergy is severe and threatens with the occurrence of such severe reactions as anaphylactic shock, you must constantly wear a medical bracelet and an automatic injector with adrenaline.

Treatment of allergies folk remedies at home

Folk remedies and home treatment can significantly alleviate some symptoms of the disease. Many medicinal herbs can compete with cheap antiallergic drugs. However, folk remedies are unlikely to help cure allergies forever.

Allergic rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to pollen or other airborne allergens. How to treat allergies, manifested in the form of rhinitis? With this disease, Cetrin is quite effective; however, other methods can be used for treatment. In particular, it is necessary to do nasopharyngeal rinsing – they help reduce the amount of mucus that can cause respiratory problems. For this purpose, you can either buy a special liquid at the pharmacy or prepare the solution yourself by mixing half a teaspoon with a glass of boiled warm water (if the person feels burning while washing, the amount of salt should be reduced). To enter the solution into the nose, you can use either a disposable syringe with a needle removed, or a special small kettle (neti) or an elastic bottle with a screw cap (fluid is pumped into the nose when the walls of the bottle are squeezed). The purity of the device should be carefully monitored so as not to aggravate the allergy infection. Ideal if they can be boiled or washed in a dishwasher temperature in a disinfecting mode.

Water treatments can cause short-term relief from allergies by clearing the nasal sinuses and airways. During the flowering period, hot water not only flushes allergens from skin and hair, but also prevents their distribution in the house. For this reason, it is recommended to take a shower immediately after coming home.

With allergic rhinitis, sneezing, itching in the nose, inhalation can alleviate the patient’s condition. To carry it out at home is very simple – you just need to pour boiling water into a deep bowl or pan, throw a towel over your head and, leaning over a container with water, inhale deeply the steam for 5-10 minutes. You should be careful not to burn your face when bending too low. If inhalation brings significant relief, you can think about buying a steam inhaler. In the solution, you can add salt, essential oils (in the absence of allergies) or herbal extracts that have a disinfecting and soothing effect (for example, chamomile). Of the essential oils, it is preferable to use eucalyptus oil – it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

Among the herbal herbs, butterbur showed the best results in the treatment of allergy – its extract can reduce the inflammation of the airways. According to clinical studies, butterbur-based tablets are effective against allergies. They can be compared in effectiveness with such recognized antihistamines as cetirizine and fexofenadine. When using preparations based on butterbur, it is worth choosing those whose content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is minimized (they can adversely affect the liver).

For allergies, you can drink herbal medications sold at the pharmacy. They have a complex effect on the body, soften the airways, dilute sputum, relieve spasm, have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.

Some people claim that they got rid of allergies expressed in nasal congestion with such spicy foods as chili pepper, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, horseradish, wasabi. This may be true, since one of the active substances contained in garlic, allyl thiosulfinate and its isothiocyanate, which is similar to it in the wasabi, contribute to a temporary, but very effective decongestant effect. Simply put, they contribute to the dilution of mucus and its removal.

Recent studies have shown that green tea can help with allergies – the antioxidants it contains can inhibit allergic reactions. However, a cup of tea can only bring short-term relief.

Bee honey is also considered a good remedy for allergies. Some believe that by eating a small portion of honey every day along with a tiny dose of allergens, you can gradually acquire “immunity” to pollen allergies. True, scientists still have not agreed whether this method can be considered effective.

Some people in allergy treatment prefer to resort to alternative medicine – acupuncture and homeopathic medicines. Proponents of these methods believe that with their help, allergies can be cured forever. But it is worth remembering that the effectiveness of these funds by modern medicine has not been confirmed.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva – the mucous membrane around the eyes. How can this disease be cured? It is well known that drugs such as loratadine and cetirizine are effective in allergic conjunctivitis. However, not only they can relieve inflammation and eliminate itching. In particular, a proven allergy cure is cold compresses. They consist in applying to the closed eyes a metallic table spoons soaked in ice water or a towel lying in the freezer. You can also wrap ice cubes in a towel.

It also helps to wipe the inflamed eyes with chamomile extract or aloe vera juice – they have an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect.

Eye drops, similar in composition to the tear fluid (or “artificial tears”), will help to moisturize the dried cornea due to the inflammatory process and slightly reduce itching.

Allergic Dermatitis

How can I get rid of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis? A good allergy remedy in this case is a cold shower. It causes constriction of the blood vessels, as a result of which a smaller amount of irritant is released through the skin. Treatment with a cold shower also helps to reduce itching and reduce the severity of the skin allergic reaction. If it is difficult for a patient to take a cold shower several times a day, a cold compress can be applied to the inflamed area — a towel moistened with ice water or ice cubes.

Olive oil is a great way to moisturize. It is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. After the cold shower, they can wipe the affected skin.

Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is easy to use: put a few drops on a small clean piece of cloth and attach to the inflamed area. Only vinegar should be organic, unfiltered; In addition to the label, it is possible to determine the degree of its purity by the sediment in the bottle.

In case of allergic rashes on the skin, it is recommended to wear spacious clothes so that tightly fitting textiles do not irritate the affected skin even more.

Dermatitis Herbs

Symptomatic treatment for allergic dermatitis is difficult to imagine without chamomile. Her decoction can be added to the bath, applied as a compress to the skin. You can also gargle with a decoction throat for inflammation, flush the nose, take orally for pain in the stomach.

Like chamomile, a three-part sequence is used when bathing, washing, compresses with its broth impose on the affected place. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effect and is especially effective in exudative diathesis.

Oregano has many medicinal properties – from diuretic to sedative. It helps with atopic dermatitis in the form of lotions and has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

The lotion with infusion of celandine or bath with it helps in the treatment of diseases involving itching (dermatitis and eczema), due to the strong local anti-inflammatory effect.

The nettle infusion is deaf (it is also white), the duckweed of the small and yarrow is used for urticaria – all these herbs have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Aloe vera (fresh juice, cream or gel) is among the reliable remedies for dermatitis. The plant has a healing and sedative effect. Apply the juice to the affected skin after a shower or bath.

Menthol, contained in peppermint leaves, relieves itching and has a calming effect on inflamed skin. Mint leaves are preferably used fresh; they are placed on a rash-covered area and secured with a bandage. In folk medicine, fresh clover leaves are used in the same way, and inflamed eyes are washed with juice with allergic conjunctivitis.

Home Hygiene

If the cause of the disease is dust or pets, regular thorough dry and wet cleaning will help reduce the symptoms. It is advisable to install a high-cleaning filter on the vacuum cleaner and do not forget to vacuum the surfaces that cannot be wiped or washed. For mattresses, pillowcases and upholstered furniture it is recommended to use special dust-proof covers that can be washed frequently. Blankets and pillows are best used with synthetic filler, not feather. And if there is a child in the house, you should often wash his toys.

If mold is an allergen, then air dryers or ventilation devices should be installed in places prone to accumulation of moisture (such as a kitchen, bathroom). Especially carefully you should follow the corners in the bathroom, the space under the sink and the bathroom itself, as well as behind the back wall of the refrigerator and kitchen sink – this is where the mold most often starts. If necessary, mold is removed by chemical means.

The air temperature in the house should be rather cool than hot (about 20-22 °), and humidity – from 40 to 50%. High-purity filters are recommended for air purifiers or air conditioners — they have the ability to trap allergens.

Can I get rid of allergies forever?

The question of how to cure allergies forever, worries many of those who suffer from this disease. In some cases, if the allergy manifests itself in childhood, the child can outgrow it and in adulthood get rid of unpleasant symptoms. This requires the strengthening of immunity and qualified treatment of allergies. But adults usually cure their allergies for good. However, allergy treatment can help alleviate or even eliminate the manifestations of the disease, and precautions can prevent allergic attacks.