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Anyone who’s experienced the runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and stopped up sinuses can certainly understand the quest for an allergy remedy. When the pollen count is high or, the pollution is thick enough to stir it’s time to begin the search. The question most ask as they cruise through the grocery store aisle is which is the best and fastest choice?
The answer is of course an individual one. A sufferer of allergies has plenty of choices in the search for an allergy remedy.

There are several types to consider including:
•    Natural or homeopathic remedies
•    Over the counter medicines
•    Prescription medicines and sprays

Natural and homeopathic offer an allergy remedy that might be a little easier on the wallet and have fewer side effects than other remedies. Aside from limiting time spent outdoors, keeping the windows closed if possible, and taking frequent showers to wash away possible allergens homeopathic medicine offers several suggestions. Quercetin is a plant derived compound which can help stabilize the cells which produce histamine. The less histamine produced the less sneezing wheezing and itching a sufferer will face. This allergy remedy can be found in citrus fruits, onions, apples, certain teas, broccoli and some wines.

Other foods help fight the inflammation wrecking havoc in the sinus cavity of the allergy sufferer. Studies have shown that individuals who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to find themselves enduring allergy symptoms. Omega-3’s can be found in flaxseed oil, coldwater fish, walnuts and eggs. Certain teas like stinging nettle can work as a natural allergy remedy because they contain antihistamine which offers soothing relief to the throat and eventual the nose of a sufferer. The downside of natural remedies is results are often slow and not as strong manufactured medications.

Over-the-counter medications are a fast easily obtainable allergy remedy. You purchase decongestants, antihistamines, or a combination of the two at most grocery or drug stores. Decongestants can help make breathing easier because they shrink the swollen mucous membranes lining the nose and sinuses. Antihistamines can dry up the nasal membranes and reduce the itching experienced in the nose, eyes, and sinuses of the sufferer. Over-the-counter drugs should only be taken for a short time. If symptoms persist an allergy sufferer should visit a doctor. Prescription drugs like over-the-counter medications are decongestants, antihistamines or a combination of both. Prescriptions drugs are usually stronger, but because they are taken under the care of a doctor they can usually be taken for as long as an allergy remedy is necessary.

When the sneezing, itchy water eyes, clogged sinus passages, runny nose, or worse an unsightly madden rash are the problem it’s time to look for allergy remedies. Allergies occur when the body misidentifies something in the environment as a threat to the body. The body will pump the chemical called histamine into the blood stream in an attempt to eliminate the perceived threat. This in turn causes the mucus, itching and inflammation of sinus tissues.

When looking for allergy remedies the sufferer needs to find something that will lower the level of histamine in the body, and lower the amount of mucus in the nose, sinus and lungs. Allergy remedies that can sooth the inflammation are also important to find. Antihistamines lower the level of histamine in the body making them one of the most popular allergy remedies. Antihistamines can be found in over-the-counter medicines and in some plants. When selecting an over the counter medicine it’s important to note that antihistamine can naturally make you sleepy. Some over-the-counter medicines have ingredients which counter this effect so if working heavy machinery or driving is on the schedule check the warning label on any medicine to see if it causes drowsiness.

Some over-the-counter allergy remedies that might cause drowsiness are:
•    Alimenazine tartrate
•    Brompheniramine
•    Chlorphenamine
•    Phenetron
•    Cinnarizine
•    Cyclizine hydrochloride
•    Diphenhydramine

Allergy remedies which don’t cause drowsiness are:
•    Acrivastine
•    Astemizole
•    Cetrizine
•    Desloratadine
•    Loratadine
•    Terfenadine

If allergy remedies are needed for skin rashes some of these over-the-counter medicines containing antihistamines are also available as creams, gels, or lotions. Teas like stinging nettle, dong quai, gingko, or milk thistle also naturally contain antihistamines. These teas are good allergy remedies and don’t usually make the sufferer sleepy. They also have the benefit of a soothing steam rising from the cup to open and calm inflamed nasal passage.

If none of these allergy remedies work or if the symptoms persist for several weeks someone suffering from allergies show seek medical help. It might be necessary to have some tests to find the source of the allergy. A doctor can start a sufferer on stronger allergy remedies and monitor the allergy until a solution is found.