How Does Allergy Medication Work & How to Allergy-Proof Your Home

Unfortunately, to this day, there is no known cure for allergies. Be that as it may, there are a few types of medication that have proven to be effective in the fight against annoying symptoms like congestion or runny nose. They can ease and treat these symptoms and make the condition much more bearable. You can find over-the-counter and prescription allergy medication that are useful, and undoubtedly invaluable for many. One type of medication that works great and helps a lot is antihistamines. Here are more details about the matter at hand.

How do Antihistamines Work

First and foremost, it is important to know that antihistamines target histamine, which is produced by your body when you are having an allergic reaction. Granted, antihistamines and all allergy medication do ease your symptoms, but they work best if you take them before you feel a reaction. After you take them, they will build up in your blood in order to offer proper protection against allergens and block the process of realising histamines. Of course, it is always recommended to consult with your doctor before you decide to take these medication several weeks before you usually experience the symptoms.

Advice on How to Take Antihistamines

Antihistamines, as well as other allergy medication, can be taken as pills, nasal spray or eye drops. The pills target and relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose, the nasal spray helps with congestion, runny nose and postnasal drip. And the eye-drops are good for itchy and watering eyes.

Depending on your symptoms, there are a few ways you can take antihistamines. You are advised to take them every day, in order to keep daily symptoms (if you have any) under control. Another way is to take them only when you experience the symptoms (if that happens more rarely, not daily) and you can take them (as stated above) before being exposed to things that cause your allergy reactions.

I can’t stress this strongly enough – always consult your doctor before taking your allergy medication.

Make Your Home Safe for People Prone to Allergies

Allergy medicines do help, but there are a few things you can control in your home in order to make it an allergy-proof environment. For those of you that are sensitive to pollen – it is recommended that you keep the windows closed and use the air-conditioner. Fans, on the other hand, should be avoided because they stir up dust. If you experience reactions even when using the air-conditioner, you can cover the vents with cheesecloth so that pollen can be trapped there.

Another thing you should be careful about is trying to keep the humidity level in your home below 50% at all times, in order to prevent mould growth. Next, pets. Pet owners that have allergic attacks are advised to keep their furry buddies outside because animal dander and saliva are quite common allergens. If you have severe reactions, pets are not even an option for you. And lastly, when cleaning around your house get into the habit of using mask and gloves. These will limit your exposure to dust and chemicals that often cause reactions.