Sinus pressure/ Allergy tips (Part 2)

When you have all the symptoms of allergies (sinus pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes) and it's NOT a regular cold (virus), then you have what's called a "hay fever." Try to follow some tips mentioned in Part 1 because you don't want the allergies to worsen.

Below are the complications of a hay fever/sinus allergies: (mayo clinic)


1. Reduced quality of life. Hay fever can interfere with your enjoyment of activities and cause you to be less productive. For many people, hay fever symptoms lead to absences from work or school.

2. Poor sleep (this is the worst for me!). Hay fever symptoms can keep you awake or make it hard to stay asleep.

3. Worsening asthma (or could cause asthma). If you have asthma, hay fever can worsen signs and symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.

4. Sinusitis. Prolonged sinus congestion due to hay fever may increase your susceptibility to sinusitis — an infection or inflammation of the membrane that lines the sinuses.

5. Ear infection. In children, hay fever often is a factor in middle ear infection.

***I personally hate having poor sleep and bothersome sinus pressures. Not only I get all grumpy, it takes me forever to do things I could normally do a lot faster (due to lack of concentration)***
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So here's another set of tips for treatment/relief (aside from reducing certain intake of food--see Part 1): (recommended by mayo clinic)

1. Appropriate drugs to reduce the inflammation (click on the link) . Please don't buy random over-the-counter nasal sprays. THEY COULD WORSEN YOUR ALLERGIES.

2. Salt water nasal wash. I know it sounds horrible. But hey, the doctors recommend it as a very effective way to relieve nasal congestion.

3. For those who are allergic to pollen:
- Don't hang your clothes outside because pollens may stick to them
- Yeah.. have someone else to do the mowing or the gardening
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom (make sure you clean those filters!)

4. For those who are allergic to dust mites:
- Vacuum weekly
- IF possible, stay away from carpets! dust mites LOVE them.
- Use dehumidifier (HEPA filters)
- Use allergy proof mattress, pillows, and blankets (yes, they exist!)
- Wash bedding, blankets, pillow case once a week.

***Bottom line, there's NO pill that would cure our allergies (sigh). But the good news is we can STAY AWAY from the allergens as much as possible. I know changing and improving our lifestyle is hard (I know because I'm also a "victim" of this incurable HASSLE)--but improving and living a healthy lifestyle that is unique for us is THE BEST MEDICINE OF ALL.***