How to Identify Allergens That Cause Allergies?
Allergens are substances that trigger allergic reactions and can be diverse. Patients with allergic rhinitis only experience symptoms when exposed to allergens. Therefore, to minimize allergic reactions, it is important to identify and avoid them in daily life.
When symptoms become more apparent, observe your surroundings and objects. If symptoms consistently occur in a particular environment or due to specific substances, those could be the allergens. For example:
- If you do not experience allergy symptoms while abroad but develop them upon returning home, the difference between domestic and foreign environments may be the cause.
- If symptoms occur when you go to bed or prepare to sleep, the allergen may be related to bedding materials.
In such cases, it is advisable to visit a hospital as soon as possible for allergen testing. These tests can detect multiple allergens, including pollen and dust mites.
How to Improve Allergic Rhinitis?
In daily life, allergic rhinitis can be improved through the following methods:
1. Rinse Nasal Passages with Cold Water
The primary cause of rhinitis is the sensitivity of the nasal mucosa and low immunity of the nasal cavity. Washing the face with cold water can constrict blood vessels and help relieve nasal congestion. Long-term persistence with this method can be highly effective.
How to do it:
Fill a basin or bowl with cold water, take a deep breath, and submerge your entire face in the water for about 2 seconds. Repeat this process 3 to 5 times. In the morning, you can do it more frequently.
2. Prevent Allergic Reactions
Allergic rhinitis often recurs seasonally. Preventive measures should be taken before allergy seasons, such as reducing exposure to pollen, hay, fallen leaves, smoke, etc. Those allergic to pet dander should avoid contact with animals. If allergens are identified, avoid them as much as possible.
Additionally, avoid bad hygiene habits like frequent nose picking or forcefully blowing your nose.
3. Massage Therapy
Regularly massaging the nose and pressing the Yingxiang acupoint can help relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms. This method promotes blood circulation, reduces nasal congestion, and enhances immunity, which helps alleviate symptoms.
How to do it:
- Place your index fingers on the Yingxiang acupoint and massage in circular motions. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. When inhaling, massage outward and upward; when exhaling, massage inward and downward. Drink a cup of warm water afterward.
- The number of massages depends on individual physical conditions. Initially, the nose may feel slightly sore, but relief will follow.
4. Exercise to Strengthen the Body
Regular exercise is an effective way to improve allergic rhinitis. Strengthening overall physical health can help prevent or alleviate rhinitis.
5. Five Foods That Help Prevent Allergic Rhinitis
Consuming the following foods regularly can help prevent and reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms:
- Ginger – Contains gingerol and shogaol, which enhance immunity, boost metabolism, relieve nasal congestion, and reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Lotus Root – A Japanese medical professor found that lotus root is rich in mucin, which prevents excessive dryness of the nasal mucosa. Consuming 30–40 grams of lotus root powder daily for two weeks can improve allergic rhinitis.
- Onions – Rich in quercetin, an antihistamine that has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Black Beans – Contain vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and saponins, which strengthen the nasal mucosa. Other components like lecithin and lignan enhance immunity and help prevent allergies.
- Probiotics – Regulate the immune system and reduce allergic reactions. Probiotics can be obtained from foods such as yogurt, miso, and kimchi.
