Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever begins when your immune system mistakenly decides that something in the air may harm you. The symptoms of hay fever can have a substantial effect on everyday life. Runny nose, congestion and itchy watery eyes can leave you feeling uncomfortable for days. The best way to treat puffy eyes during a hay fever attack is to treat the hay fever. Once the allergy subsides, you can improve further by reducing eye puffiness.
Step 1
Fill a bowl with water and ice. Place a cotton ball or cotton pad into the ice water and saturate it. Wring the cotton out to remove excess water.
Step 2
Lay your head back against something to support your neck. Either sit in chair with a headrest or lie down with your head propped up on a pillow.
Step 3
Place one soaked cotton ball over each closed eye. Keep the cotton balls on your eyes for 10 to 30 minutes. The cold will reduce the swelling caused by the allergic reaction.
Tips and Warnings
- Take an antihistamine or another medication as soon as symptoms present. Follow the advice of your doctor or the directions on the over-the-counter product for proper use. If you suffer from chronic hay fever, try to eliminate the allergens from your home. Keep windows and doors closed during pollen season and use a HEPA filter. Keep your mattresses and pillows free from dust mites and vacuum regularly. See your doctor to determine what might be triggering the allergy.
- Swollen eyes can be a sign of other health problems, such as high blood pressure. If the eye puffiness remains after the other hay fever symptoms subside, see your doctor for a complete check up.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton balls
- Bowl
- Ice
- Water
