With respect to dog allergies treatment and function-related, the following information on ‘Natural Decongestants and Allergies’ is found within the section on natural allergy treatment for people allergic to dogs.
Before looking at the various types of natural decongestants associated with treating allergies, it is important to clarify the following 3 points:
Decongestants and Congestion
The process of relieving nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract is termed a decongestant. A common symptom of allergies is allergic rhinitis and one facet of this can be nasal congestion and stuffiness.
Congestion per se can result in secondary issues such as an increased risk of phlegm and infection. Infections are not only problematic in themselves, but they can result in even more mucus being produced. Therefore, to help avoid this problem, it is important to treat congestion as soon as possible.
Decongestants vs. Expectorants
Many people confuse the term decongestant and an expectorant.
The term decongestant is synonymous with nasal congestion although some people apply a more liberal and broader interpretation that encompasses anything that helps relieve congestion i.e. decongests.
An expectorant is associated with chest congestion and works by thinning/breaking mucus, thus enhancing its removal from the lungs, bronchi and trachea. It can then be ejected orally (spat out) thus making coughing more effective or productive i.e. expectoration.
Chest congestion can be related to allergies and this form of congestion is often treated using an expectorant.
This issue and others related to it will be examined in greater depth in Natural Expectorants and Allergies.
Conventional vs. Natural Decongestants
Conventional decongestant drugs are usually taken orally or in the form of nasal sprays. These work to constrict nasal and sinus blood vessels and shrink swollen nasal membranes. However, though natural decongestants may elicit such characteristics, it is a term that refers to a very broad range of treatments and approaches.
Many people’s first reaction to hearing about natural decongestants is to think of plant oils such as mint or peppermint, however as we will see this is but just the tip of the iceberg…..
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Natural Nasal Decongestants What better place to start than with the nose given that the term decongestant is synonymous with nasal congestion. In this context, read about blowing, sucking and dilating the ‘old hooter’! |
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Natural Posture, Pressure and Movement Decongestants Posture, pressure and movement can all affect congestion. They can be applied in various ways including yoga, sleeping, general massage, walking and exercise. Furthermore, advocates of Chinese medicine believe acupressure and acupoints have a role to play. |
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Natural Moisture and Water Decongestants Moisture and humidity can impact congestion therefore this article will look at nasal sprays and drops, nasal irrigation and the use of steam, vaporizers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help combat the problem. |
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Natural Decongestants and Heat Congestion can be tackled in a variety of ways and one form involves the aspect of heat. This article provides a summary of heat related natural decongestants with links to relevant articles contained in this section. |
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Natural Decongestant Salves Learn about what natural decongestant salves are, how they work and whether there is a ‘best’ salve. Includes charts on popular ointment bases as well as various plant extracts and essential oils that, in one form or another, are associated with treating congestion. |
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Natural Decongestant Balm There is much confusion concerning the term balm and decongestion. Find out exactly ‘what is a balm’ as compared to a lotion, cream, ointment, gel and salve, and why various popular products on the market compound the confusion. |
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Natural Decongestant Foods and Drinks Understand how natural decongestant foods and drinks work and see charts of ingredients considered to exhibit decongesting and congesting properties. Furthermore, learn how to prepare such ingredients properly. |
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Natural Decongestants and Hydration Correct hydration is an important consideration regarding congestion. Find out about water and hydration, how much water a person should drink every day, how to determine if you are dehydrated and types of drinks to keep hydrated. |
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Traditional Chinese Medicine Decongestants The ancient system of Chinese medicine developed a number of ways to tackle congestion and as an example, this article looks at the use of 3 traditional decongestant ingredients – Ephedra, Pinellia and Siberian Cocklebur. |
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Risks of Using Natural Decongestants Although natural decongestants are generally considered a safe approach to tackling congestion, it does not mean that the user should not apply due diligence and that they are all risk-free. This article uses a couple of examples to illustrate this point. |
