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How to Deal With Allergies in 6 Simple Steps

Allergies can occur at any time in a person’s life. And because a lot of things can trigger it, with food, dust, and pollen being only some of the biggest factors, you don’t really know when it will hit you.

But the good news is that it’s quite common, and that means that in many cases, it’s easy to treat with both natural and over-the-counter medications at home when they happen. Here’s how:

1. Wear a face mask
Allergens that keep getting in your airways can be dealt with using a face mask that blocks as much as ninety-five percent of these particles.

2. Use a saline rinse
For allergic reactions that cause sinus problems, try clearing your airways with a mixture of three tablespoons salt (non-iodized) to one teaspoon baking soda. Add this to eight ounces of boiled water and use to remove any traces of allergens and mucus in your nose.

3. Drink more fluids
Stay hydrated during your post-nasal drip! The extra liquid thins the mucus in your nasal passages, and with hot fluids such as tea, broth, or even soup, you have the benefit of steam.

Using steam can also help you clear your nose by expanding your airways, which makes it easier to breathe. The trick is to hold your head over a bowl of warm water and place a towel over your head to trap the steam and raise the temperature.

4. Keep your home clean
Dust and dirt are two of the biggest allergens out there, so it’s important to keep your home dust-free when you or a family member starts coming down with the sniffles.

You can do this with regular cleaning, but if you happen to have an allergic reaction yourself, ask someone else to do it for you.

If you have a vacuum cleaner at home, make sure it has a HEPA filter in order to trap any allergens.

5. Avoid cigarette smoke
When you’re coming down with a bad case of the allergies, it’s best to avoid anything that makes it longer for your nose to clear, and that includes cigarette smoke. If you’re a smoker yourself, stop smoking for a few days if you can’t bring yourself to quit.

You should also avoid fumes and aerosol sprays as well, since they can be just as bad.

6. Take OTC medications
There are different medications you can get over the counter, such as antihistamines for sneezing, and corticosteroid creams for skin symptoms, such as rashes. However, be careful when taking them.

If regular doses of antihistamines won’t work, you might be better seeing a doctor who can prescribe stronger doses.

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