Home remedies for allergies: What a doctor says actually works

Managing seasonal allergies can feel overwhelming, particularly during the spring and fall months in southeastern Pennsylvania when pollen levels tend to spike. These allergy surges can leave you sneezing and with itchy eyes and nasal congestion, disrupting your day.

Fortunately, one of our primary care physicians, Kenyetta Givans, MD, can describe some simple adjustments at home that can help reduce allergy symptoms and provide much-needed relief.

Avoid allergy triggers before they start

"For allergy symptoms managing the environment is the first step to reduce exposure to allergens," explains Dr. Givans. On days when pollen counts are high, you can increase your chances of being allergy free by:

• Staying indoors as much as possible
• Keeping windows closed to prevent allergens from entering your home
• Invest in a HEPA filter air purifier to maintain cleaner indoor air

Treating allergy symptoms at home

Placing a cool, moist cloth over your eyes for 10-15 minutes can relieve discomfort and minimize puffiness caused by exposure to allergens.

For those struggling with nasal congestion or sinus pressure due to allergies, using a saline nose spray or nasal rinse (like a neti pot) can offer comfort and relief. Safety tip: Only use sterile water when rinsing your sinuses.

When a trip to the drug store can help with allergy relief

For additional ways to reduce congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses due to allergies, Dr. Givans says, "over-the-counter medications can also be helpful." She suggests these pharmacy options:

• A non-drowsy, non-steroid antihistamine that can help with sneezing and runny nose, such as:
• Loratadine (Claritin®)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra®)
• Astepro® Allergy Nasal Spray
• A steroid nasal spray that can help reducing inflammation and congestion, such as fluticasone (FLONASE) or triamcinolone (Nasacort®)

What allergy home remedies to skip

Be cautious of products that claim to treat allergies. Avoid unproven remedies like essential oils or herbal sprays, especially as sometimes people have allergic reactions to them. Relatedly, before using unregulated over-the-counter products ask your clinician about how they may interact with your current health conditions or medications.

At best, some of these products may not relieve your allergy symptoms. At worst, some could worsen your symptoms, irritate your skin, impact your breathing or pose other potential health risks.

When home remedies don't work for your allergies

At-home care may not be enough to treat your allergies if any of these are happening:

• Your symptoms don't improve
• Your symptoms worsen
• Your symptoms interfere with your quality of life

All of these results mean you should switch from your home treatment to talking to a healthcare professional.

How a clinician can help with your allergies

As a primary care physician, 15%-20% of Dr. Givans' patients come in for relief from their allergies. Dr. Givans explains, "primary care physicians prioritize preventative measures and empathetic care to help patients effectively manage allergies and improve your overall well-being through personalized treatment plans."

Your primary care provider will talk about your symptoms to determine if you need tests to pinpoint your exact allergic triggers. Treatment can be tailored based on your individual allergies. You may also benefit from routine allergy shots.

Next steps

If home remedies don't offer enough relief or you need care for severe seasonal allergies, a Main Line Health primary care physician can help. Looking to be matched with a primary care doctor whose values match yours? You can browse our primary care providers within our Find a Doctor tool.

Want to meet specifically with Dr. Givans? Call 484.580.4031 to schedule an appointment with her at Main Line HealthCare Primary Care Devon.

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