Isn't it better to take medicine for allergies? Here are the mistakes you're making! (Allergic Rhinitis)

Allergies are a very annoying problem for many people in our country. Especially the occasional runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes caused by dust and pollen are very annoying, aren't they? So you probably buy medicine from the pharmacy for this, or use nasal sprays. But sometimes it feels like there's nothing you can do about it? Actually, maybe the problem isn't the medicine itself, but the way we use it. Today, let's talk about why this happens, and how to take advantage of these medicines.

Let's first see, why does our body react like this?

Simply put, seasonal allergies, or what we call `Allergic Rhinitis` (also known as hay fever), are an unwanted, overreaction of our body to something that is actually harmless to us. Think about it, things like pollen, dust, and dust mites floating in the wind don't really pose a big threat. But our immune system sees these as dangerous invaders.

To fight these "invaders," our bodies release a chemical called histamine . This histamine causes our blood vessels to dilate and increases the production of mucus (snot) inside our noses, trying to trap the invaders. The results of this process are the discomforts we experience:

• Runny nose
• Keep sneezing.
• Itchy eyes, nose, throat
• Tears flowing from the eyes
• Cough and sore throat
• Earache
• Sometimes fatigue and headaches

So when these symptoms appear, it's reasonable to quickly take a medicine and try to get rid of it. But according to doctors, many people use this medicine incorrectly.

Common mistakes we make when using medication

Let's now look at what mistakes we make when using allergy medication that we don't even realize we're making, and how to fix them.

1. Waiting for symptoms to appear

This is the biggest mistake many people make. They only remember to take their medicine when their nose is stuffy and they start sneezing. But by then it's too late. Doing so will reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.

For example, if you know that your allergies get worse when the weather gets dusty and dry, start taking antihistamine pills daily a week or two before that time. This will block the histamine receptors before the allergens enter your body. Your symptoms will either be reduced or largely controlled. Talk to your doctor about this and work out a schedule that works for you.

2. Not choosing the right medication for their symptoms

There are different types of allergy medications for different symptoms. But not all medications work the same. Choosing the medication that best suits your main symptoms will give you the best results.

Sometimes, if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend using two medications together. For example, a steroid nasal spray along with a non-drowsy antihistamine may provide better control.

3. Incorrect nasal spray method

Many people tilt their heads back when spraying a nasal spray. That's wrong . The correct way is to spray with your head slightly forward . That way, the medicine stays inside the nose and doesn't go down the throat, and it works properly.

4. Inconsistency in medication use

Taking medicine today, forgetting it tomorrow, and taking it again the day after tomorrow will not give you the desired results. It is very important to take the medicine daily as prescribed by your doctor for the entire duration of your allergy. Do not stop taking it just because it has subsided a little. If you do, the underlying swelling may reappear.

Also, don't take too much medicine. An antihistamine pill like `cetirizine` or `loratadine` that is said to be taken once a day will not provide any special relief if taken two or three times a day. Therefore, follow the doctor's instructions exactly .

5. Medicine is stored in the wrong place

Do you keep your allergy pills in the bathroom cupboard? Then change that habit today. The humidity in the bathroom can cause the active ingredients in the pills to react chemically, reducing their effectiveness. It's best to keep your medication in a dry place, like your bedroom.

Also, do not put liquid medications, such as antihistamine syrups, in the fridge unless specifically stated on the label. Extreme cold can cause the ingredients to crystallize, reducing the effectiveness of the medication or causing the wrong dosage.

If you still have trouble doing these things, definitely see a doctor!

Even if over-the-counter meds provide temporary relief, if your allergies persist for months, you get frequent sinus infections, or you have a constantly stuffy nose, you should definitely see a doctor .

You may be referred to an allergist. They can perform special tests to find out exactly what you are allergic to. They can then recommend a treatment plan that is right for you, stronger medications, or more advanced treatments such as allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Allergic Rhinitis, Hay Fever, Hay Fever, Sneezing, Runny Nose, Antihistamine, Nasal Spray, Nasal Spray, Doctor, Medical Advice, Sri Lanka