9 ways to avoid allergies caused by changing weather

 9 ways to avoid allergies caused by changing weather

Around 400 million people worldwide suffer from ‘allergic rhinitis’ and this problem is also seen in Nepal.

Around 400 million people worldwide suffer from ‘allergic rhinitis’. Countries like Nepal and India are not exempt from this. This is a condition in which allergens such as pollen in the air affect the nasal passages.

When this problem is especially seen in the spring and rainy season, it is called ‘hay fever’.

In North America, it is also called seasonal allergies, because its symptoms can be caused by various types of pollen or other allergens. The number of hay fever patients and its severity seem to be increasing continuously. One of the main reasons for this is considered to be climate change.

Allergies can increase as the weather changes, due to changes in air, temperature, and environment. Flower pollen, dust, and pollution are especially prevalent in the air in spring and autumn.

When these substances enter the body through the nose, eyes, or respiratory tract, the immune system overreacts, which is called an allergy.

This can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, or difficulty breathing. A weakened immune system, dust, smoke, and exposure to cold and heat can also increase the risk of allergies.

The good news is, you don’t have to suffer this problem in silence anymore. In the last few years, new and more effective medications have become available to treat hay fever.

In addition, studies have also provided clear information on how to use these medications at the right time and in the right way.

1. Nasal sprays are more effective than medications

When mild sneezing or allergy symptoms begin, many people use oral medications like Claritin or Benadryl. But these medications are not as effective as nasal sprays. These medications first go into the digestive system and then spread throughout the body. This reduces the amount of medication that reaches the nose, which is where the real need is.

But nasal sprays are used directly into the nose and have an immediate effect. They work directly to reduce the swelling inside the nose, which provides good relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, and other symptoms.

Therefore, nasal sprays are now recommended as the first treatment for both children and adults. Corticosteroids are considered the most effective nasal sprays, followed by antihistamines.

But in recent years, combined sprays that mix corticosteroids and antihistamines have emerged as a more effective option. They also have fewer side effects.

According to Stephen Durham, nasal sprays also reduce eye symptoms in most cases. But if the problem of itchy eyes persists, eye drops containing olopatadine may be useful.

2. Beware of nasal sprays (decongestants)

Not all nasal sprays are the same. Many people use decongestant sprays to unclog a blocked nose, but this can make the problem worse.

Sprays containing oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, or xymetazoline work by reducing nasal congestion.

These medications shrink blood vessels, which makes the nasal passages smaller and makes breathing easier.

But if these sprays are used for more than five days, the body can become dependent on them. When you stop using the spray, your nose will become even more blocked, which is called ‘rebound congestion’.

This can worsen the problem in the long run and there is also a risk of addiction.

3. Choose a new generation of antihistamines

If you can’t take medication or are used to it, you can take a new generation of medications, such as cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine. These medications are more effective and cause less drowsiness than older medications.

First-generation medications such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, or doxylamine can cause a lot of drowsiness and make you sleepy.

But which medication is right for you depends on the type of allergy, age, sleepiness, and other health conditions. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor before using it for a long time.

According to Glenys Schedding, many people use pills and nasal sprays together, but this is often a waste of money. Adding antihistamine pills to nasal corticosteroids does not provide much benefit.

4. It is advisable to start treatment before the onset of allergies

Many people start taking medication only when symptoms appear, but this is not the right way. For best results, you should start using nasal sprays a few weeks before the onset of allergy season. In one study, people who started the spray four weeks before the start of the season cycle were found to have more relief than those who started treatment after symptoms began.

5. Taking the medication regularly even when there are no symptoms

According to Durham, “When people say that the medication is not working, there are two main reasons: either the medication is not being used correctly, or it is not being taken regularly.

The medicine should be taken at the same time every day, whether or not you have symptoms. It is also important to take the correct dose of the medicine. According to one study, people who used a spray containing a corticosteroid and antihistamine twice a day had more benefit than those who used it once.

6. Using the nasal spray correctly

Even after choosing the right medicine, many people use the nasal spray incorrectly. Many people inject the bottle too far and tilt their head back.

They inhale and inhale forcefully after spraying. This causes the medicine to go to the throat instead of staying in the nose.

But for the medicine to be effective, it is necessary to stay inside the nose. For this, the nose can be slightly raised and the direction of the spray can be directed towards the ear on that side.

The spray does not need to be inserted too deeply. About 6 millimeters is enough for this. Then, the head can be slightly tilted forward and the spray can be sprayed and the nose should not be cleared immediately.

If the nose is not cleared for a while, the medicine can reach the right part of the nose and work properly.

7. Instilling eye drops correctly

Many people tilt their heads back and instill drops in the eye. But this can cause the medicine to leak out or not spread properly.

Instead, tilt your head slightly to one side and instill a drop in the inner corner of the eye and blink slowly. This helps the medicine spread evenly throughout the eye.

8. Stay away from allergy triggers

It is also necessary to avoid allergy triggers along with the medicine. For example: - Keep the windows closed, wear sunglasses or a mask when going out. It is also important to wash your hands and face thoroughly after returning from outside.

Because allergens such as pollen can stick to your hair and face, which can later affect bedding and furniture.

9. Do not delay contacting a doctor if the problem persists

Many people ignore hay fever, considering it a common seasonal problem. But it can affect quality of life, breathing ability, sleep and even children's schooling.

According to Barry Cohen, "Many people consider it just a common problem. But if you suffer from it for three months a year, it is a serious matter."

In some cases, it may not be hay fever but asthma or other respiratory problems.