For many, allergic rhinitis is something that they have to deal with and manage for the rest of their life. This means suffering from frequent sneezing, nasal congestions, itchy, red, and watery eyes, and itchiness of the throat and ears.
These symptoms can affect a person’s daily functioning in performing tasks, such as cleaning the house, going out, and even sleeping.
If you have allergic rhinitis and suffer from these symptoms nearly all year round, you don’t have to live with this inconvenient and troublesome condition.
By keeping a stock of the most prescribed allergy medicine in Dubai and taking them as necessary and making certain lifestyle changes, you don’t need to be weighed down by this health issue.
Vital Lifestyle Changes to Make
Below are the five lifestyle changes you have to make to manage your allergic rhinitis effectively:
1. Keeping mattresses, pillows, and all fabric furniture and fixtures clean
All homes have beds, pillows, beddings, curtains, textile couches and chairs. And everyone uses these every day. However, not everyone gives a second thought to keeping these items clean and dust-free.
Most of the time, homeowners only wash or give these fixtures a good cleaning when the accumulated dirt and dust becomes too noticeable.
If you have perennial allergic rhinitis, you need to keep all the fabric furniture and fixtures you have at home clean. Failing to do so means you will inhale more dust and live with dust mites, allergens that can aggravate your condition.
Since you spend several hours in bed every day, start by keeping it clean and allergen-free. Wash your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases weekly using hot water. Before changing the bedding, vacuum the mattress first.
Consider getting a mattress cover to give your bed additional protection from allergens as well.
Additionally, make sure to keep your couch and other fabric chairs and furniture pieces clean. This means vacuuming them and washing the covers regularly.
Lastly, keep your curtains tidy. Wash them every three months. If your draperies can be vacuumed, do so using the right attachment. You can also remove lint with a lint roller or brush.
2. Minimizing mold in your home
Mold is also a well-known allergen. As such, you have to be more proactive in dealing with it at home.
Start by managing the humidity in the kitchen and bathroom. Use extractor fans regularly to control and minimize the level of steam in these areas.
Use a dehumidifier in other areas that tend to get humid. Since this device removes moisture, the growth and spread of mold spores can be minimized in these rooms.
If your carpets, upholstery, and draperies get wet, clean and get them dry immediately. This will help prevent the molds from growing on these fixtures.
In case you see any signs of mold on your wallpaper, curtains, and carpets, replace those as soon as possible.
Make sure you remove mold and mildew from walls as soon as you see them, as well. You can get rid of them by using a solution of bleach and water and a sponge or scrub brush.
3. Cleaning while protecting yourself from allergens
Keeping your home clean helps reduce the allergens in your home. This, in turn, will allow you to manage your allergic rhinitis better. However, the act of cleaning itself can aggravate your condition, too.
As such, you have to go through your chores correctly to protect yourself from allergens that you could end up inhaling as you clean your home.
When you dust, vacuum, and remove mold, wear a disposable or washable mask. Doing so will prevent you from inhaling the allergens. If you have sensitive eyes, consider putting on goggles to protect them.
Wear gloves and clothes that cover your arms and legs to prevent allergens from sticking and clinging to your skin which you can also inhale.
Also, choose your cleaning solutions carefully since some products contain substances that can aggravate your allergy. To be safe, select detergents and stain removers that are unscented and dye-free.
As much as possible, try to use homemade or natural cleaning solutions such as baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar.
Finally, always take a bath after cleaning your home.
4. Preventing allergens from entering your home
Aside from minimizing the presence of allergens inside your home, you have to manage the ones that can enter and inflame your symptoms.
Start by keeping all windows closed, particularly during windy days, to prevent pollen from being blown inside your home. Open your windows during mild weather days, but do not keep them open all day and use window screens if you have them.
If you have pets, keep them out of rooms that you use often. Bathe and groom them regularly or have a professional do these for you so that being near them won’t cause your symptoms to manifest.
Also, avoid hanging bedding, clothes, and other items to dry outdoors after washing them. Pollen, dust, and even mites might stick to them, which you will carry indoors. It is best to air dry them inside if necessary.
Consider leaving your shoes outside your home and instructing other family members and guests to do the same. Doing so ensures no one tracks in pollen and dust inside your home.
However, make sure you have plenty of footwear everyone can wear inside your home since they will be leaving theirs outside.
5. Modifying your diet
Lastly, some foods can help you manage your allergic rhinitis while others can aggravate the symptoms. This means you might need to make a few changes in your diet.
If you are fond of using artificial food additives, stop doing so. This is because they contain ingredients that can aggravate your allergy. These include benzaldehyde and monosodium glutamate.
Try to avoid eating unpeeled vegetables since many varieties contain proteins that mimic grass pollen, a well-known allergen. Moreover, cook them before eating them whenever possible to get rid of any allergenic substances.
If you need relief from your allergic rhinitis, add more garlic, broccoli, salmon, oranges, pineapple, yogurt, and chili peppers to your daily diet. They are foods that help relieve the symptoms and strengthen your immune system, which help you manage your condition better.
Finally, drink more water daily, especially when you are feeling allergy symptoms. Staying hydrated helps reduce congestion and can soothe your sore throat.
By following these allergy management tips, you can prevent allergic rhinitis from taking over your life.