Living with allergies doesn't have to require an exclusive reliance on drugs for symptom relief. In addition to prescribing medication when necessary, doctors also recommend a variety of health care products for those with allergies.
Preventive steps can serve to minimize or avoid discomfort from allergic reactions to pollen, mold, pets, dust mites and many other airborne pollens.
Whether patients have hay fever or perennial allergy symptoms, products designed to control exposure to allergens can supplement medicinal remedies.
Neti Pots
Individuals who wish to avoid hay fever drugs can reduce nasal symptoms through saline rinsing. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients can perform nasal rinses using a convenient neti pot and homemade saline solution.
Some pharmacies and health care stores sell the spouted containers, whose shape specifically aids nasal rinsing. This treatment addresses perennial allergy symptoms as well as those produced by contact with air-transported allergens, including tree, grass and ragweed pollen.
Air Filters
Patients can use commercial health care products that incorporate HEPA air filters to improve indoor air quality. This calms hay fever allergy symptoms brought on from outdoor exposure and minimizes problems from indoor allergens.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that some air conditioners, vacuum cleaners and indoor air cleaners come equipped with allergy-grade air filters. Patients must clean filters regularly and keep doors and windows closed in order to achieve the best results.
Dehumidifiers
People who are allergic to molds can discourage fungal growth by reducing indoor humidity. Many fungi require humidity above 50 percent in order to survive. The Mayo Clinic suggests using an electric dehumidifier to control air moisture levels and to reduce allergy symptoms. Patients can purchase dehumidifiers and air conditioning units that also dehumidify at department stores.
Allergy-Proof Bedding
Special mattresses, pillows and pillow cases help patients with sensitivities to dust and other household mites reduce their allergen exposure. Tightly woven fabrics enclose sleeping surfaces to keep mites from inhabiting these areas.
Anti-allergen mattress covers and other bedding can be found at health care outlets and in the linen sections of some department stores. The Mayo Clinic recommends allergy-proof bed products for management of perennial allergies.
Face Masks
Popularized as flu prevention products, medical-grade face masks make effective hay fever and dust protection aids for allergy patients. Face masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) act as portable air quality controllers for outdoor exposure while gardening, notes the AAFA. They also help patients avoid inhaling allergens when disturbing the air and carpeting while dusting or vacuuming.
