The Power of Heat for Allergy Relief 

Over 50 million Americans experience various types of allergies each year, with allergies also known for being the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. Whether it’s due to pet dander, pollen or dust, allergies can be inconvenient and uncomfortable for those who experience them, due to the number of symptoms they cause. However, using a heat compress and similar heat-related solutions could just be the answer when it comes to finding relief.

 

Allergies and sinus infections

 

While allergies can be caused by a large number of things, they often share the same uncomfortable symptoms — itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose and headaches. Allergies can also trigger a sinus infection. This occurs when the sinuses swell in reaction to an allergen, in which case bacteria can become trapped in the nose and could cause an infection, with symptoms that include sinus pain and pressure. While both allergies and sinus issues may lead you to look to medication or use methods such as nasal irrigation to reduce or resolve the pain and discomfort, heat could be the solution you’re looking for.

 

Fighting the symptoms with heat

 

Natural elements like heat may just save the day for those who live with allergies or sinus issues triggered by allergies. If you experience uncomfortable nasal congestion, using a heat compress can provide relief by helping to warm up the nasal passages and loosen any secretions. Using an aromatherapy eye pillow is a great way to go about this, as you can alternate between hot and cold for maximum benefits, while relieving puffy eyes and headaches at the same time.

You can also use heat to treat your allergies by using hot steam, which can be achieved through a facial steam, a hot shower, or simply having a hot cup of tea. Steam is great for allergies and nasal issues, as it can help treat common allergy symptoms such as a stuffy/runny nose by helping to loosen mucus. It’s also been discovered that steam baths can be beneficial, as they significantly reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), according to one study published in the January 2018 issue of the Journal of Integrative Medicine.

 

Getting to the root of the problem

 

For those who are prone to allergies, it’s important to be aware of what they are and understand exactly what causes your reaction: this will allow you to control it better. For example, those who notice classic allergy symptoms that resemble the symptoms of hay fever (such as itchy eyes) while only in their house, may not be suffering from hay fever at all — in fact, the issue could potentially be much bigger. A mold problem, for instance, can affect the air quality in your home, and can  cause allergy-like symptoms including dry/itchy eyes, an itchy throat, and difficulty breathing. Similarly, pets in the home may also be the underlying cause of your allergies due to their dander. By simply getting to the root of the problem, you can resolve the issue accordingly and reduce allergic reactions, whether it be by banishing Fido from the bedroom or calling a professional for mold inspection/removal.

 

Allergies can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, and in some cases can even trigger a sinus infection. However, it’s important to keep in mind that medications and other common solutions aren’t the only ways to get relief: the use of heat and the identification of the trigger could help you stay on top of your condition for good.