Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians offers comprehensive care for individuals with allergies and asthma. Our team of board-certified allergists and immunologists specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic conditions and asthma, providing personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve optimal health.
Allergies can significantly impact your daily life, but developing smart habits can help minimize your exposure to common triggers. Our Columbus-based allergists have compiled helpful tips for managing allergies and asthma better so you can reduce flare-ups and breathe easier.
When allergy symptoms flare up, taking a few moments to manage them can help you feel more comfortable and make the rest of your day go more smoothly.
Allergy symptoms can significantly affect your overall well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to head indoors and rest—pushing yourself too hard can worsen your symptoms and prolong recovery.
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore or scratchy throat and may ease symptoms of nasal allergies by reducing mucus drainage.
Use a saline nasal rinse, such as with a neti pot or squeeze bottle, to flush out allergens from your nasal passages and relieve symptoms. Always use distilled or sterile water; tap water is unsafe for nasal rinsing.
Antihistamines are available as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays, and they help relieve sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, and a runny nose. They may also provide mild relief from nasal congestion.
Decongestants come in the form of pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or drops, and they work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues to relieve congestion. However, they should only be used for a few days—if symptoms persist, it’s important to consult your Columbus allergist.
Nasal corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory nasal sprays that help prevent allergic reactions by reducing swelling inside the nose. They’re considered the most effective treatment for hay fever, as they target all major symptoms, including nasal congestion.
Effective allergy treatment typically involves three strategies: avoiding allergens, using medications, and/or pursuing immunotherapy (allergy shots). If avoiding allergens isn’t enough, medications may be needed. Immunotherapy could be a good option if medications don’t provide sufficient relief.
For seasonal allergies, start taking your medication before symptoms begin. This helps the medication work more effectively throughout the allergy season.
With proper management, you can lead a normal life despite having allergies. If you’re unsure about the best approach, consult your Columbus allergist for personalized treatment and guidance.
A sensitivity to pollen is one of the most common allergies our Columbus allergists encounter. If you’re allergic to pollen, here are some helpful tips to reduce your symptoms:
After spending time outdoors on a high pollen day, remove your shoes outside and place your clothes in the hamper to prevent bringing pollen inside.
Take a shower at night to wash away any pollen from your body and hair before getting into bed.
If you have a dog or outdoor cat, be sure to wipe their paws and fur when they come inside, as pollen can cling to them.
Check pollen counts in the morning and stay indoors when they’re high.
Keep your windows closed and use an air conditioner to avoid letting pollen indoors.
Install a HEPA filter in your central air conditioning system, both in your home and vehicle, to trap pollen and other allergens.
Wash your bedding in hot water once a week to remove any allergens that may have collected while you sleep.
Wear sunglasses and a hat to help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your hair.
Dry your clothes in a clothes dryer instead of hanging them outside, where pollen can accumulate.
Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning, between 5:00 am and 10:00 am. Try to limit outdoor exposure during these hours, especially on warm, dry mornings, when pollen levels tend to be highest.