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During an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines, which are chemicals that help fight off foreign invaders, which in reality are harmless substances. In people who suffer from allergic rhinitis, histamines cause blood vessels in the nose to swell, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues. This explains the congestion, runny nose, and constant sneezing that are characteristic of the experience of someone with allergic rhinitis.
Sneezing is a reflex response that protects your body from perceived harm, but it can cause discomfort, especially when it’s frequent. There are a few things you can do to help ease constant sneezing. Detailed below are a few tips from an allergy doctor on how to respond to constant sneezing due to allergic rhinitis.
How To Stop Constant Sneezing
First things first, avoid or reduce your exposure to triggers that cause you to sneeze constantly. Remove yourself from the environment that causes you to sneeze. If you are outside, move indoors. Moreover, allergens could be coming in through the windows, and if so, shut them and turn on the air conditioner and an air purifier with a HEPA filter. You can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and prevent your nasal airways from drying up.
Next, turn your attention to your nose. Take your allergy medication. Oral antihistamines provide quick relief from allergic rhinitis symptoms by blocking the release of histamines, which also helps prevent a worsening of the reaction. If you are at work and cannot leave, antihistamines are usually enough to help stop constant sneezing. In addition, rinsing your sinuses with a saline solution also helps loosen mucus and relieve congestion. Other treatments such as nasal steroid sprays reduce swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways, and decongestants that ease congestion help provide relief from constant sneezing caused by allergic rhinitis.
If you do not have any of these, you likely do not have an action plan for your allergies. Make an appointment with an allergy doctor as soon as possible, because allergic reactions can be prevented with the right treatment. There are different types of allergy medicines and an allergy doctor can recommend the best one for you.
Lastly, think about how allergens could have collected somewhere, probably the bedding, curtains, carpets, or your clothes. Change out of your clothes and take a shower to remove allergens that may have gotten caught in your hair or landed on your skin. If you are at work, wash up as best as possible and clean your office space to help reduce your exposure to your triggers.
Allergy Doctor in Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Plainfield, IL
You can get immediate relief from constant sneezing from personalized recommendations provided by an allergy doctor. Our allergy doctors at Oak Brook Allergists have years of experience treating patients with allergic rhinitis and other types of allergies.
After a thorough review of your medical history and allergy testing, we will be able to determine what is causing your constant sneezing and design a treatment plan, including an action plan to help reduce exposure to allergens and also the severity of your reaction to them.
To schedule an appointment with one of our allergy specialists, call our clinic today at (630) 574-0460 or use our convenient appointment request form.
