How to Use Decongestants to Treat Dust Mite Allergies
The use of over-the-counter decongestants may help to relieve some of the symptoms of dust mite allergies, such as wheezing, coughing and nasal and chest congestion. By consulting with your doctor or allergist, you can find the most effective decongestant to fit into your lifestyle.
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Things You'll Need
- Doctor or allergist
- Decongestants
- Salt water
- Camphor, menthol or eucalyptus salves
Instructions
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Visit your doctor or allergist to discuss the use of decongestants to treat your dust mite allergy symptoms. Not only can a healthcare professional pick the right over-the-counter product for you, but you may be able to avoid negative interactions with any other type of prescription drugs you may be taking.
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Use decongestants that contain non-drowsy formulas to treat your dust mite allergy symptoms during the day. Note that some products may act as a stimulant, artificially increasing energy levels among some individuals, so you may want to avoid taking these products if you are planning on sleeping within a few hours.
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Take decongestants with drowsiness formulas to treat dust mite allergies if you need to get a good night's sleep. Since dust mite activity is concentrated in mattresses, bedding and pillows, allergy symptoms may be the most severe when you are in bed, or when you wake up first thing in the morning. The right decongestants can relieve those tougher symptoms which can keep you up all night, such as sneezing and wheezing.
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Investigate natural decongestants for a healthy way to treat dust mite allergies. For instance, salves that contain camphor, menthol or eucalyptus can bring relief from dust mite allergies when rubbed on your chest or under your nose. You may also want to gargle with salt water, which can aid in relieving chest and nasal congestion as well.
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Communicate with your doctor or allergist about the effectiveness of decongestants to treat dust mite allergies. Some decongestants may not relieve all of your symptoms, such as watery eyes or dry skin, so your doctor may have to prescribe an additional antihistamine for better results.
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Tips & Warnings
In order to increase the effectiveness of decongestants when dealing with a dust mite allergy, you should take steps to control the population of dust mites in your home. This includes washing all bedding regularly in hot water, replacing drapes and curtains with blinds, using plastic dust mite encasings for your mattress and pillows and removing the carpeting in your home.
