Oh my, sometimes even a little dust on your body, or a little pollen in your nose... you start sneezing non-stop, your nose starts to run, your eyes get red and itchy. Do you have this kind of allergy too? Sometimes this annoying allergy can make your whole day boring. But don't worry, this is not just for you. This is a common condition that affects many people. The most important thing is that it can be managed properly. Let's see how to successfully live with this allergy throughout the day.
What exactly is this allergy?
Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction of our immune system to something that is normally harmless (such as dust, pollen, or certain foods). When this substance enters the body, some cells in our body release a chemical called histamine .
This chemical called histamine is responsible for almost all the symptoms we see during an allergy. It causes sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin, and red eyes.
The medicine we take for allergies, antihistamines , works by blocking the action of a chemical called histamine in the body. It's like blocking enemy messages in a war.
Let's learn a little about allergy medications.
If you have allergies, you already have medications available to you, but it's important to have a little understanding of these.
There are two main types of allergy medications (antihistamines).
- First-generation medications: These can cause some drowsiness and dizziness . For example, medications like piriton , which some people use, fall into this category.
- Second-generation drugs: These are less likely to cause drowsiness because they are designed to not affect the brain. Cetirizine `(Cetirizine)`, Fexofenadine `(Fexofenadine)` and Levocetirizine `(Levocetirizine)` are some popular drugs of this type.
Important: Sometimes generic drugs are cheaper than brand-name drugs. However, since they both contain the same active ingredient, there is no difference in effectiveness. So, talk to your doctor to choose the one that is right for you.
New research suggests that the time of day you take your medication can also affect its effectiveness. There is still a lot of research being done on this. But you can try a little experiment with your doctor's advice . You can figure out for yourself whether you feel better taking your medication in the morning or at night.
A schedule that controls allergies throughout the day
Let's see what you can do to control allergies at different times of the day.
Before bed (around 11:00 PM)
Your allergy battle starts the night before. If you're someone who experiences more allergy symptoms at night or when you first wake up in the morning, it's a good idea to take an allergy pill before bed . That way, you'll feel much better when you wake up in the morning.
Morning (7.00 am - 10.00 am)
Get up in the morning and get moving. That means exercising . Some studies have shown that regular exercise can help reduce inflammation in the airways and help control allergy symptoms.
If you like to exercise outdoors, it's best to do it early in the morning if possible. Pollen levels are usually lowest between 4:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. , but this can vary depending on where you live. So, you can use a pollen count app on your phone to find out when pollen counts are high in your area. If pollen counts are high, it's a good idea to exercise indoors.
Taking an allergy pill in the morning can help control symptoms throughout the day. It usually takes an hour or two for a pill to start working. So if you have an idea of when your allergy attack will occur, you can take the pill in advance and be prepared.
During the day (11.00 am - 2.00 pm)
If medication doesn't help, you can try nasal sprays or nasal rinses. These reduce swelling inside the nose and calm down the cells that produce histamine.
Remember, it takes about 7-10 days to see the full effects of using a steroid nasal spray, so it's most effective to start using these about a week before your allergy season starts.
Let's look at some things we can do during the day.
| Action | Important points |
|---|---|
| Using Nasal Spray | When spraying into the nose, tilt your head slightly down and point the tip of the spray toward the ear on the other side of your nostril. This will ensure that the medicine goes directly into your nose, rather than going straight down your throat. |
| Nasal Rinse (Saline Rinse) | This is very helpful in flushing out pollen and dust that has entered the nose. Never make this solution with tap water , as it may contain germs. Use a saline solution that you can buy at the pharmacy. |
| Diet | Include foods rich in vitamin D (such as fish and eggs) in your diet. Vitamin D helps the immune system and can also help control allergies. |
| Drink water | Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water helps thin the mucus in your nose and open your airways. |
Pollen is usually highest in the air during the day, especially after 12 noon . So it's best to limit your outdoor time during that time.
Evening and night (6.00 pm - 10.00 pm)
When we get home from work, we understand the urge to open the windows of the car and enjoy the fresh air. But if you have allergies, it's best to close the windows and turn on the AC. That way, less pollen from outside gets into the vehicle.
The most important thing to do after coming home is to take a shower . Taking a shower at night is much more beneficial than taking a shower in the morning. Washing off all the dust and pollen that has accumulated on your body, hair, and clothes after walking around all day before going to bed can prevent that dust from getting on your bed and pillow. It is also a good habit to put your clothes in the washing machine as soon as you take off your clothes after going out.
If you're having a lot of allergies throughout the day, you may need to use a combination of medication and nasal spray. But before doing so, it's important to consult your doctor.
Make these things work for you.
Not everything mentioned here is right for everyone. The most important thing is to listen to your body and choose what works for you.
- Be consistent: Once you choose a time to take your medicine, make it a habit to take it at that time every day. If you forget in the morning, make it a habit to take it before going to bed at night. Keep your medicine near your bed or in a place where it is easily visible.
- Keep a journal: Write down in a small notebook what time of day you get your symptoms the most, what you eat, and where you go. This will help you figure out what triggers your allergies and when to take your medication the best.
If you've tried all of these things and the over-the-counter medications aren't helping, you should definitely see a doctor. You may need more aggressive treatment, such as immunotherapy.
Take-Home Message
- Allergies are caused by a chemical called histamine, which is produced by the body. Allergy medications work by blocking this action.
- New allergy medications (such as Cetirizine) that do not cause drowsiness are now available.
- Choose a time of day (morning or night) that works best for you. Talk to your doctor about it.
- Nasal sprays and saline rinses are very helpful in controlling symptoms.
- By washing your body at the end of the day and going to bed clean, you can remove pollen and dust brought in from outside.
- If regular medication does not help, do not do anything you feel like doing, and definitely seek the advice of a doctor.
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