Home remedies for summer nasal allergy are an important topic that every household needs to know, one asks why?

The reason is – that a variety of unpleasant symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion fall under seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, and need to be taken care of multiple times. 

When looking into the details these symptoms often worsen during the summer months due to increased allergies like pollen, dust mites, and mold.

Multiple over-the-counter (non-prescribed) medications may help manage the allergy symptoms as described, yet these also come with their fair share of side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth.

That’s why via this blog we will learn the different tactics & home remedies that can offer a natural and potentially effective way to alleviate the summer nasal allergy symptoms which will improve your overall well-being.  

In the following sections of this blog post, we will explore five effective home remedies for summer nasal allergies:

1. Netti pot irrigation
2. Steam therapy
3. Local honey
4. Apple cider vinegar
5. Quercetin 

So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore these remedies in more detail!

5 Effective Home Remedies for Summer Nasal Allergy Relief

Summer is the best time of the year as it brings sunshine and warmth, which might be a blessing for many but may also be an issue for multiple people out there, as it can also spike in symptoms for allergies that can irritate many. The increase of pollen, dust mites, and mold thriving in these warmer months, can lead to a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion ending the sufferer with frustration.

1. Practice Nasal Irrigation with a Neti Pot or Saline Spray

Nasal irrigation is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that involves flushing your nasal passages with a saltwater solution equipped to remove allergens and mucus buildup. This technique is known to significantly improve symptoms like congestion, postnasal drip, and facial pressure. Let us look into the details of how this works: 

• Clearing Mucus and Allergens: The saline solution thins mucus, making it easier to expel trapped allergens like pollen and dust mites. This reduces irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to symptom relief.
• Benefits for Summer Allergies: Using a neti pot or saline spray regularly during summer can be particularly helpful. Regularly flushing your nasal passages helps remove pollen and other allergens before they trigger a reaction.

Using a Neti Pot Safely:

1. Prepare your solution: Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt (like kosher salt) with 8 ounces of distilled, sterile, or lukewarm boiled water. Distilled or sterile water is preferred to avoid bacteria or parasites.
2. Tilt your head: Stand comfortably with your head tilted slightly to one side.
3. Insert the spout: Gently insert the spout of the neti pot into your upper nostril.
4. Pour the solution: Slowly pour the saline solution into your upper nostril, allowing it to drain out the other nostril.
5. Repeat on the other side: After rinsing one side, blow your nose gently and repeat the process with the other nostril.
6. Clean and dry: Wash the neti pot thoroughly with warm, soapy water after each use and allow it to air dry completely.

Saline Nasal Sprays: While looking into mess-free alternatives to neti pots, one of these solutions can be to use saline nasal sprays that offer a convenient way of usage. Saline nasal sprays are designed to deliver a fine mist of saline solution that moisturizes and cleanses the nasal passages. This might be convenient yet when it comes to effectiveness in comparison to neti pots in removing large amounts of mucus, they lack in capacity. Hence saline nasal sprays are a good option for on-the-go or mobile relief. 

Remember, nasal irrigation is generally safe, but it’s important to follow instructions carefully and use clean solutions to avoid potential infections. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor before trying nasal irrigation. 

2. Implement Air Purification Strategies

During the summer season, it is not only the outdoor allergens that make the season full of allergies. Due to the unfortunate rise in temperatures & humidity, the allergies triggered by dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander get exponentially worse indoors. These types of allergens tend to thrive in warm, damp environments which makes your home a potential minefield for allergy sufferers. 

HEPA Air Purifiers: Here’s where air purification comes in. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are highly effective at trapping these microscopic allergens. HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. By removing these allergens from circulating air, air purifiers significantly reduce exposure and alleviate allergy symptoms.

Maintaining Peak Performance: For the best purification, it is necessary to keep the air filter clean and functioning properly. Always try replacing HEPA filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the air filter has clogged filters it will fail to trap allergens effectively and there are high chance that they might start recirculating them. 

Beyond Air Purifiers: While HEPA air purifiers are a powerful tool, there are additional strategies to improve indoor air quality:

• Air Conditioners with Air Filters: Many air conditioners come with built-in air filters that can help trap some allergens. Regularly cleaning or replacing these filters is essential.
• Dehumidifiers: Mold thrives in humid environments. Using a dehumidifier in your home can help control humidity levels and create a less hospitable environment for mold growth.

3. Optimize Your Sleep Environment for Allergy Relief

When managing allergies, it is medically advised to have a proper night’s sleep which is always crucial for your overall health. Why a proper sleep you ask? The answer is simple yet effective – during sleep, your body starts repairing and rejuvenating itself, which makes it better equipped to fight off allergies and other diseases. 

But be careful, the one thing that makes you might also break you because the bedroom you take your goodnight’s sleep in can harbor a hidden enemy called dust mites. 

Dust mites are there microscopic creatures that thrive in warm & damp environments, and guess what? Even your bedding and pillows provide the perfect haven for them. These microscopic organisms feed on dead skin, and flakes, and their droppings are known to be a major trigger for allergy symptoms, especially at night when you think you’re safe and secure in your bedroom. 

Let us understand how to create a sleep environment that minimizes dust mite exposure:

• Hot Water Wash for Bedding: Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water (at least 55°C or 130°F) to kill dust mites. Hot water effectively denatures dust mite proteins, rendering them harmless.
• Allergen-Proof Encasements: Invest in allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers. These tightly woven covers create a physical barrier, preventing dust mites from reaching your bedding and triggering allergies.

Beyond Bedding:

• Regular Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum your mattress with a HEPA filter attachment to remove dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.
• Reduce Clutter: Minimize clutter in your bedroom, especially fabric-based items like stuffed animals, which can harbor dust mites. A clutter-free environment makes cleaning and dust mite control easier.

4. Natural Antihistamines and Dietary Adjustments

While traditional antihistamines can be effective, some people prefer a more natural approach. Interestingly, certain foods contain compounds that may have natural antihistamine properties.

Potential Benefits:

• Quercetin-Rich Foods: Quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples, onions, berries, and other fruits and vegetables, has shown promise in some studies for its potential antihistamine effects. It may help stabilize the release of histamines, the immune system chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.
• Bromelain: Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, may also possess anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially alleviate allergy symptoms.

Important Considerations:

• Limited Research: It’s important to note that research on natural antihistamines in food is ongoing, and the evidence is not always conclusive.
• Consult a Doctor: Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can advise you on incorporating these foods safely and effectively into your diet.

Beyond Specific Foods:

• Low-Inflammatory Diet: It has been found in multiple studies that a low-inflammatory diet rich in different nutrient-based products like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can work and become beneficial for managing allergies. These types of food can help reduce overall inflammation in the body, which could potentially mitigate some allergy symptoms. For proper and personalized dietary advice, consult the doctors and registered dietitians of Marwari Hospitals. 

5. Implement Soothing Practices for Symptom Relief

While the previous strategies aim to prevent and minimize allergy triggers, there are also practices you can implement to soothe existing symptoms and find relief.

• Cool Mist Humidifier: Dry summer air can irritate nasal passages and worsen congestion. Using a cool mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, loosening mucus and easing congestion. The extra moisture can also soothe irritated nasal passages and alleviate discomfort.
• Warm Compress: For sinus pressure relief, apply a warm compress to your face. The warmth can help relax facial muscles and improve drainage, reducing pressure and stuffiness.
• Saline Nasal Spray: Throughout the day, use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist. The saline solution helps loosen mucus and flush out allergens that may be lingering and triggering irritation.

Neti Pot Before Bed: Using a Neti Pot before bed can provide additional congestion alleviation. The nasal irrigation procedure can effectively eliminate mucus buildup and allergens, thereby enhancing your breathing capacity and facilitating a more restful night’s sleep. Please ensure that you adhere to the instructions meticulously and utilize sterile or distilled water to prevent the development of potential infections.

Conclusion

In addition to consulting a doctor for diagnosis and potentially stronger medication, these home remedies can provide significant relief from summer nasal allergies.

By incorporating a combination of sinus rinses, air filtration, allergen reduction in your sleeping environment, dietary adjustments, and soothing techniques, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable allergy season.

Remember, talking to your doctor about any new supplements or dietary changes is crucial to ensure they don’t interfere with existing medications or health conditions.