Other Treatments
For mild allergic rhinitis, a nasal wash can be helpful for removing mucus from the nose. You can purchase a saline solution at a drug store or made one at home (one cup of warm water, half teaspoon salt, pinch of baking soda). Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays that contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative may actually worsen symptoms and infection.
Simple method for administering a nasal wash:
- Lean over the sink head down
- Pour some solution into the palm of the hand and inhale it through the nose, one nostril at a time
- Spit the remaining solution out
- Gently blow the nose
The solution may also be inserted into the nose using a large rubber ear syringe, available at a pharmacy. In this case the process is:
- Lean over the sink head down
- Insert only the tip of the syringe into one nostril
- Gently squeeze the bulb several times to wash the nasal passage
- Then press the bulb firmly enough so that the solution passes into the mouth
- Repeat the process in the other nostril
Natural Remedies
Nearly half of asthma or allergy sufferers resort to alternative treatments. To date, however, little evidence supports treatments such as high-dose vitamins, homeopathic remedies, and most herbal remedies. Some relaxation methods, such as massage therapy, may be beneficial in reducing stress related to allergy symptoms. According to research presented at a 2004 allergy conference, acupuncture is now the most popular alternative treatment among allergy sufferers. The following are examples of recent areas of research:
- Acupuncture may provide symptom relief for persistent allergic rhinitis in children, according to results published in a 2004 pediatrics journal. The study compared the effects of active versus sham acupuncture. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.
- Butterbur (also known as Petasites hybridus, butter dock, blatterdock, bog rhubarb, and exwort) is a plant found in Europe, North American, and parts of Asia. It is a traditional herbal remedy used for seasonal allergies and asthma. In a 2002 study, it was as effective and less sedating than a commonly prescribed antihistamine for treating seasonal allergies over a 2 week period.
- Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that may help protect against allergies and asthma. Probiotics are available in active yogurt cultures and in supplements, which are being studied for protection.
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