How do you deal with the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
Dealing with nasal symptoms caused by allergies can be quite problematic, as it often leads to additional problems like trouble sleeping and even headaches. So, let's get on top of these issues with a few simple changes and tips.
The nasal symptoms I will focus on in this blog are:
- Congestion
- Sneezing and a runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Loss of taste and smell
- Nasal polyps
- Vertigo
Congestion
If you are sensitive to a particular allergen, the body will produce histamine in response. This increases blood flow to the affected area, resulting in inflammation and congestion.
If the sinuses become inflamed and cause a blocked nose, it can also lead to throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeballs, particularly when you lean forward.
Occasionally a blocked nose can cause allergens to become trapped in the nasal passages, potentially causing a sinus infection.
How do you get deal with congestion from allergies?
Cut down on dairy – this is mucus-producing so has the potential to make a blocked nose worse.
Avoid histamine-rich foods – these include alcohol, caffeine, walnuts, smoked meats and cashew nuts.
Inhale steam – this contains heat and moisture which can help mucus to flow more easily from the nose. It can also help calm inflammation. So, lots of hot baths and showers, as well as (caffeine-free) hot drinks, are in order.
Drink plenty of water – if your sinuses are blocked it can cause you to breathe through your mouth, which will dry it out. Water helps to soothe this issue.
Sinuforce Blocked Nose Spray – with its fast clearing action, it's a good idea to use this product last thing at night and first thing in the morning.
Sneezing and a runny nose
When the body comes into contact with an allergen, it will produce more mucus in an attempt to trap and wash it out. The result is a runny nose.
If the allergen ends up irritating the nose, this can also cause frequent sneezing.
How do you deal with a runny nose and sneezing?
Pollinosan Allergy Nasal Spray – this helps to cleanse the nose of allergens so it feels more comfortable. It can be used alongside other allergy medications, including antihistamines and other nasal sprays.
Try dairy-free products – again, dairy can worsen these particular symptoms so try soya, almond or coconut milk if you need an alternative.
Drink nettle tea – this is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it may help if you're suffering from hayfever symptoms.
Rinse the nose – try doing this with a saltwater solution.
Clear out your bathroom cabinet – old make-up, creams, and shower gels can be irritating for allergic rhinitis sufferers. Make sure to get rid of any out-of-date products and swap to natural products where possible.
Pollinosan Allergy Nasal Spray
- FOR RUNNY, ITCHY AND BLOCKED NOSES: Used to treat and prevent allergic rhinitis symptoms
- NASAL DECONGESTION: A hypertonic solution that decongests the nose in a natural way
- REDUCES ALLERGEN-INDUCED INFLAMMATION AND IRRITATION OF THE NASAL MUCOSA: Contains Ectoin®, a natural cell-protective molecule
- Preservative-free
- Suitable for children
- Suitable for sensitive noses, as well as vegetarians and vegans
- Non-habit forming
- Approx. 220 sprays per bottle.
| Did you know? Watery, thin, or clear discharge from the nose is usually an indication of allergies. |
Post-nasal drip
As mentioned, the body may produce more mucus after it comes into contact with an allergen. As well as causing a runny nose, this excess mucus may drip down the back of the throat causing a problem known as a post-nasal drip.
A post-nasal drip may make you feel that you need to clear your throat more frequently and can also lead to a cough and a sore throat.
How do you manage a post-nasal drip?
Increase moisture in the air – put bowls of water on the radiators around your home to help increase the amount of moisture in the air. You could pop a drop of PoHo oil in the water as well.
Try a humidifier – this is another way to increase the amount of moisture in the air and help calm nasal symptoms relating to allergies.
Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets – these can help manage multiple symptoms of allergic rhinitis and may be used alongside antihistamines. This is a good option if you are experiencing other issues alongside your nasal symptoms.
Drink more water – this may help to lessen the irritating effects of excess mucus.
Loss of taste and smell
This can be linked to congestion, which is triggered upon contact with an allergen.
Congestion reduces the sense of smell and, since flavour can only be detected with the help of smell, a blocked nose can result in reduced taste and smell.
What do you do about loss of taste and smell?
Address congestion – you can do this using a nasal spray, such as Sinuforce Nasal Spray, and by reducing your dairy intake.
Deal with inflammation – try an anti-inflammatory remedy such as Devil's Claw.
Avoid caffeinated drinks - these are inflammatory and are only likely to make your symptoms more prominent. Remember, energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, so it's not just coffee you should be wary of.
Change your snacking options – try to focus on fresh or dried fruit instead of sugary cakes and biscuits.
A.Vogel Self-Care Tip: How to use Pollinosan Nasal Spray
If you would like to learn more about using Pollinosan Nasal Spray to soothe your nasal symptoms, check out my video below!
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps can often be linked to allergies. These are soft growths that appear in the inside of the nose. Usually, they are painless, though it tends to be a recurrent problem and can cause symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, nosebleeds, snoring and reduced sense of taste and smell.
What should you do about nasal polyps?
Pollinosan Nasal Spray – you may find that this nasal spray helps to calm inflammation in the nasal passages.
Get more vitamin C – this has antihistamine action so is very beneficial for those with allergies. You can get more vitamin C through foods like strawberries, broccoli and kiwi.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist – you should speak to your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have trouble breathing. A pharmacist can also assist if you have nasal polyps that are causing only mild symptoms.
| Did you know? Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with sinus tissue proliferation.1 |
Vertigo
If your nose is congested as a result of your allergies, this could contribute to vertigo. This is because the nose, throat and ears are connected via the Eustachian tube. If the nose gets blocked, it can affect the pressure in the vestibular system in the ears. The latter is part of the sensory system that provides the brain with information about balance and special orientation; so, if it's not working well, it may contribute to the development of vertigo.
How do you deal with vertigo?
Try Plantago – this natural remedy has traditionally been used for ear, nose and throat problems.
The Sinuforce Nasal Spray - this may also bring some relief from a blocked nose.
Remember - there are various conditions that can lead to vertigo so you should get the issue checked out by your doctor to be sure that allergic rhinitis is in fact the cause of your symptoms.
