Treating Allergies at Night

Which allergy medications can help nighttime allergy symptoms?

Two types of allergy medications may help nighttime allergies.  "Antihistamines may help with sneezing and postnasal drip," Berger says, while decongestant medications help with the stuffiness and nasal congestion."

But Berger also suggests that a better approach to treating allergies might be the inhaled nasal steroids and intranasal antihistamines. "These inhaled nasal puffs and sprays address all four allergy symptoms of sneezing, itching, runny nose and mucus formation, and nasal congestion and swelling of the mucous membranes."

If you try the inhaled nasal steroids, Berger advises taking these two weeks before pollen season begins to prevent allergy symptoms. You may plan on staying on inhaled nasal steroids for months, if needed, to keep allergies at bay and avoid sleep deprivation.

If you're allergic to your pet, Berger suggests seeing an allergist before you consider giving away the family dog or cat.

"Many things can trigger symptoms of allergies such as nasal congestion, even nonallergic rhinitis caused by changes in temperature or weather. See an allergist to find out if you truly have allergies before making drastic changes at home."

Can nasal saline rinses help reduce allergies?

Arizona-based pulmonologist Paul Enright, MD, has had allergies since childhood.  During allergy seasons, when his nose gets clogged with mucus and he has postnasal drainage, he uses a salt water sinus rinse, often during an evening shower, in order to keep his nasal passages clear throughout the night. 

"If your nose is clogged, you have to breathe through your mouth all night. This eliminates the natural air conditioning function of the nose and may cause restless sleeping," Enright says.

When grass and weed pollen levels are high in Arizona, to reduce inflammation and congestion in his nose, he also uses a prescription nasal corticosteroid spray about 1/2 hour after the sinus rinse. 

"It's important to point nose sprays towards the center of your head, not towards your eyebrows.  The sinuses and inner ears drain deep inside your nose, and that's where you want the nose spray to be concentrated for maximum benefit."

Enright also recommends drinking more water, which works to thin mucus. Thin mucus does not stick to the back of the throat and cause postnasal drip. You'll know that you're well-hydrated if you're hitting the bathroom frequently.  

How do you find out what's causing your allergies?

Enright suggests that you become an allergen "sleuth" to find out which allergens are causing your symptoms. If your allergies only happen at nighttime, perhaps you are allergic to something in your bedroom. 

The most common allergens in bedrooms are microscopic house dust mites which live in bedding.

If the humidity in your bedroom is above 40%, molds may be growing in the carpet, bedding, and upholstered furniture.

If there is a smoker in your home, your nose and sinuses are probably becoming congested due to your inhaling secondhand smoke at night.  A HEPA room air purifier running in your bedroom will remove the smoke.

If you are unsure about the cause of your allergy symptoms, get a skin test or a blood test to identify the allergens that cause your problems. 

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