Benadryl is likely to cause some sedation, while Claritin tends to cause the least. Take the necessary precautions when using a medication that may cause drowsiness. [3] X Research source

Remember that prescription-strength antihistamines are indeed stronger, and they also come with stronger side effects such as anxiety, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, and even insomnia. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Studies show that daily use of corticosteroid nasal sprays can be very effective in reducing nasal symptoms caused by allergies. Some sprays, such as Flonase and Nasacort, are also available without a prescription. [6] X Research source Don’t overuse decongestant nasal sprays. rebound congestion of the nasal mucosa when you try to stop using them, and this may cause a dependency on nasal sprays. [7] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Visit your doctor if you have severe allergy symptoms, increased wheezing or coughing, or if your symptoms do not respond to treatment.

Some people prefer to make their own saline spray. Sprinkle some salt in a cooking pan with 1 cup of water, 1/2 tsp of salt, and a pinch of baking soda. Then bring your concoction to a boil. Once it has begun boiling, pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and put your face over the bowl, but not too close or you may burn yourself on the steam. Breathe in the steam. Adding some eucalyptus oil/salve can help soothe your raw sinuses. [8] X Research source

Tilt your head to one side while standing near a sink. Position the spout of the pot in one of your nasal passages and then pour half of the solution, allowing the solution to come out of the other nasal passage. Repeat with your other nasal passage. Clean and disinfect the Neti pot after each use.

Mustard oil. It has antihistamine properties. Take a dollop of mustard and heat it up in a kitchen pan with a little water. When the solution is thin enough to be sucked into an eye dropper, transfer a small amount into one of your nostrils. Breathe it in deep. Because mustard has such a strong scent, it can take a few seconds to recover from the initial blast. Turmeric. This herb has long been valued by Indian culture for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Soak a small amount of Turmeric powder in pure linseed oil, which can be purchased at most health food stores. Hold the linseed-oil-laced Turmeric over a heat source until it begins smoldering. Gently inhale some of the smoke.

The ideal humidity in your house should be between 30 and 50 percent. Any lower and it will be too dry for your nose. Any higher and your room will seem stuffy. It could also breed mold and bacteria. [12] X Research source Most humidifiers are not powerful enough to treat your entire house. Place them in the room or rooms where you spend the most time in order to have the greatest effect. When you exit the humidified environment, however, your mucus membranes will start to dry up again.

One of the most common airborne allergens in the United States is ragweed pollen, and there are over 17 varieties. Although it is almost impossible to avoid exposure to ragweed completely, you can learn where high concentrations are likely to be located in your local environment. Avoid these locations as best you can. Avoid going outside during peak times, such as early morning, and close your windows when pollen counts are high. Reduce dust mites in your home by minimizing the presence carpeting, blankets, and stuffed animals. Use dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows.