Allergies are no fun, but do you know how to find relief?
We all know that feeling–the sneezing, the itchy and watery eyes, the runny or stuffy noses–and it’s often because of springtime allergies. Spring has finally sprung and now we are being bombarded with rain, pollen and the polar opposites Minnesota weather.
And frankly, the symptoms of allergies are frustrating and rather annoying when you have schoolwork and studying to do. No one wants to write a paper with a sinus headache and a box of tissues.
So normally you’d turn to your parents to figure out what medicine to take or what home remedies will help with your allergies, but now that you’re on your own deciphering between Allegra, Claritin and all the other options can be exhausting.
Here are some helpful hints on dealing with allergies and finding relief:
- Nasal sprays are great solution for sneezing
Yes, spraying a solution in your nose isn’t the most pleasant feeling in the world, but by directly applying the medicine, your symptoms actually improve faster. You can also try just washing your nose out with water with a Neti pot at the end of the day. - A clean house will help with your symptoms
Washing your sheets and changing your pillowcases often can help remove pollens or other agents that may be causing your allergies. But remember clean out your air vents too, otherwise the allergens just keep circulating. - Eye drops are to be used in moderation
Eye drops are great temporary relief for allergies and itchy eyes, but you have to remember they are only supposed to be used for a couple of days at most. Constant use of eye drops could result in blurred vision and actually worsen your symptoms. - Oral medications are best when you aren’t on a timeline
Oral medications come in pill or liquid forms and a great source of long term relief. But, they can make you feel dizzy or tired, trigger insomnia or bring on a number of other side effects. Personally, I’ve found them best to take at night or when I don’t have major test or projects to complete. - Get sleep, take time for yourself and relax
It could be as simple as heading to bed an hour earlier than normal or taking a bath to help reduce general allergy discomfort. I also suggest having a glass of tea or hot water with lemon. Simple things like this help relax your body and serve as a detox for your mind.
These are just some suggestions that I have found useful when dealing with allergies. If you want more information on exactly what medications are best for you, check out this article by the Mayo Clinic.
Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but until this weather clears up, I’m going to get back to my homework and my box of tissues.
