Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, affecting more than 50 million people. Its typical symptoms include paroxysmal sneezing, watery nasal discharge, nasal itching and nasal congestion, and in severe cases, it even affects sleep quality and daily activity efficiency. Although medication and immunotherapy are mainstream options, home remedies have become the first choice for many patients because of their convenience, economy and low side effects. This article will combine the guidelines of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) and home care practices to sort out scientific and effective home remedies to help patients relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Accurately isolate allergens: block stimulation from the source
Allergens are the "trigger" of allergic rhinitis. Identifying allergens and avoiding contact is the core of home management. Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold and cockroach excrement. Patients can identify allergens through skin prick tests or serum-specific IgE tests, and take targeted measures:
- Dust mite prevention and control: Wash sheets and quilts with hot water above 55°C every week, and wrap mattresses and pillows with anti-mite bedding; regularly use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters to clean carpets and sofas to reduce the growth of dust mites.
- Pollen protection: During pollen transmission seasons (such as tree pollen in spring and ragweed pollen in autumn), reduce the time spent outside, wear N95 masks and goggles when going out; change clothes and shower immediately after returning home to avoid bringing pollen into the bedroom.
- Pet management: If you are allergic to animal dander, avoid keeping pets; if you already have pets, limit pets from entering the bedroom, bathe and comb their hair regularly to reduce dandruff shedding.
- Mold control: Keep indoor humidity below 50%, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner dehumidification function; regularly clean humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens to avoid mold growth.
Nasal irrigation: the "gold standard" for physically removing allergens
Nasal irrigation is an internationally recognized auxiliary treatment method for allergic rhinitis. It uses saline or special irrigation fluid to remove allergens, inflammatory secretions and bacteria in the nasal cavity and reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends rinsing 1-2 times a day, especially for children, pregnant women and those with drug intolerance.
Product recommendation: DeepCozy Electric Nasal Irrigator
This electric nasal irrigator is designed for home use and has the following advantages:
- Intelligent constant pressure technology: automatically adjusts the water flow pressure to avoid choking or mucosal damage caused by unstable pressure during manual irrigation, especially suitable for children or the elderly.
- 360° rotating nozzle: can clean the deep nasal cavity from multiple angles, covering areas that are difficult to reach with traditional irrigators, and improving cleaning efficiency.
- Portable design: small size, equipped with rechargeable batteries, suitable for travel or outdoor use; the water tank capacity is up to 300ml, which meets the needs of single irrigation.
- Medical grade material: The nozzle and water tank are made of food grade silicone and PP materials, which are non-toxic and odorless, can be sterilized at high temperature to avoid cross infection.
Usage:
Prepare physiological saline at about 37°C (a saline bag is provided).
Pour the saline into the water tank, install the nozzle and select the gear that suits you.
Tilt your head slightly, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and press the switch for a long time.
When the water in the water tank is emptied, the cleaning is completed.
Precautions:
The irrigator needs to be disinfected regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Those with asthma or otitis media need to consult a doctor before use.
Environmental control: Create an "anti-allergic" living space
Dry, polluted or temperature-difference environments will irritate the nasal mucosa and aggravate symptoms. Discomfort can be effectively relieved by adjusting the indoor environment:
- Humidity management: Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity at 40%-50% to avoid dry nasal mucosa; but those with asthma need to be cautious, as excessive humidity may induce airway spasm.
- Air purification: Install an air purifier with a HEPA filter to filter out pollen, dust mites and other particles; clean the air conditioning filter regularly to prevent mold growth.
- Suitable temperature: Avoid cold air blowing directly into the nose. Wear a mask or scarf to keep warm when going out in winter.
Diet therapy and Chinese medicine assistance: Internal and external nourishment to enhance physical fitness
Dietary conditioning can relieve symptoms by supplementing nutrients or using natural ingredients, but it needs to be selected according to physical fitness to avoid blind tonic:
- Vitamin C and antioxidants: Eat more foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables to enhance immunity; consume Omega-3 fatty acids in nuts and deep-sea fish (such as salmon) in moderation to reduce inflammatory reactions.
- Warming lungs and dispelling cold tea: Ginger and brown sugar water (10 grams of sliced ginger + 15 grams of brown sugar boiled) can relieve cold symptoms such as itchy nose and sneezing, but it should be used with caution by those with yin deficiency and excessive fire.
- Nasal moisturizing spray: Use a spray containing saline or natural ingredients (such as aloe vera, coconut oil) to keep the nasal mucosa moist and reduce dryness and irritation.
Physical therapy: Simple operation to relieve acute symptoms
Through physical means such as hot compress and massage, local blood circulation can be promoted and swelling of the nasal mucosa can be reduced:
- Hot compress: Apply a hot towel to the nose for 5-10 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day to relieve nasal congestion.
- Acupoint massage: Press Yingxiang point (on both sides of the nose wing) and Hegu point (between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand) to the degree of soreness and swelling, 3-5 minutes each time, which can clear the orifices, stop nosebleeds, and relieve headaches.
Regular work and rest and moderate exercise: Improving immunity is the fundamental
Allergic rhinitis is closely related to the function of the immune system. By adjusting the lifestyle, resistance can be enhanced and the frequency of attacks can be reduced:
- Adequate sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per day, avoid staying up late, and maintain the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Moderate exercise: Choose aerobic exercise such as swimming, jogging, yoga, etc., 3-5 times a week, more than 30 minutes each time, to promote blood circulation and enhance physical fitness.
- Psychological adjustment: Long-term stress may weaken immunity. You can relieve anxiety and maintain emotional stability through meditation, deep breathing, etc.
Family therapy needs to be scientifically matched, and timely medical treatment should be sought when symptoms worsen
Although family therapy can effectively relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, the following principles should be noted:
- Individualized adjustment: Children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with asthma should choose the treatment under the guidance of a doctor to avoid self-medication.
- Long-term persistence: Allergic rhinitis cannot be cured, and family management needs to form a habit to continuously improve the nasal environment.
- Timely medical treatment: If symptoms continue to worsen or abnormal manifestations such as fever, purulent rhinitis, headache, etc. occur, sinusitis or infection may occur, and immediate medical treatment is required.
Family management of allergic rhinitis is a "protracted battle". Through precise isolation of allergens, scientific nasal irrigation, environmental regulation, and reasonable diet and exercise, patients can significantly reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. As experts from the American College of Allergy and Immunology said: "Home remedies are an important part of the comprehensive treatment of allergic rhinitis, but they must be combined with professional medical methods to achieve the best results." Let us start from today, use scientific methods to protect nasal health, and enjoy breathing freely every day.
