How to Decrease Allergy Symptoms

Over 50 million people in America suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergies of all kinds manifest themselves with similar symptoms. The most common symptoms are nasal congestion or discharge, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat, hives and other skin rashes. There are medical and natural ways to decrease allergy symptoms to make life more enjoyable.

Things You'll Need

• Antihistamine
• Doctor
• Allergy shots

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Instructions

Decrease Allergy Symptoms

• 1

  Avoid all known allergens. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, stay indoors as much as possible, where the air is filtered and reused. Keep the windows closed in your car as you drive and use the recirculation button on the air or heater to reduce the amount of outside air brought into the car. Dust and vacuum your house at least two to three times a week to minimize airborne allergens. Wash all bedding in hot, soapy water once a week to kill any dust mites.

• 2

  Take an antihistamine to decrease your allergy symptoms. Use a daily 24-hour antihistamine, such as loratadine or cetirizine, to reduce the body's allergic response to allergies. Be sure to take these drugs on a consistent daily basis to achieve their greatest affect. Drink plenty of water while taking antihistamines to flush your body and maintain proper hydration.

• 3

  Talk to your doctor about allergy shots. Use allergy shots to reduce the body's response to allergens. Allergy shots must be given under the care of a doctor and need to be taken consistently and for the recommended duration given by your doctor. Allergy shots condition the immune system to not react to certain allergens causing the symptoms.