Local doctor shares how to naturally relieve allergy symptoms | News

PADUCAH — Many locals are probably enjoying the summertime weather right now; however, with allergy season still lingering, pollen, ragweed, and grass can make it hard for people with allergies to enjoy the outdoors.

That’s why a Baptist Health Paducah doctor said there are some natural remedies that people can try to make it better.  

Brother-sister duo Rachel and Elliott Straub decided to play pickleball Tuesday afternoon at Noble Park in Paducah. They both love the outdoors. 

“We’ve always done sports in high school. We actually ran cross-country at this park. So allergies, it was pretty bad back then,” Rachel said.  

Rachel said that throughout the years, she’s had to become a master at managing her allergies.

“Taking a shower at night, just kind of washing everything off of you, and then taking your allergy pill and just winding down. That’s always helped me not feel like sniffling in the morning stuff like that,” Rachel said. 

Dr. John Cecil with Baptist Health Paducah said there are many natural remedies to relieve allergies and some asthma symptoms caused by allergens like pollen and ragweed. 

To help with congestion, “If you really want to do a good job, mix a quarter teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Mix it up. The first time is the worst bit, pour your handful of the warm salt water and sniff it,” Cecil said. 

To help keep allergens out of the house, make sure to keep windows closed.

“But air conditioning filters we don’t think about as much, we need to get the ones that trap a lot of allergens, and thus, you know, sometimes those are a little more expensive, which are a little harder to buy, but they do make a difference in how much misery if you’re going to have a lot of allergies,” Cecil said. 

A common allergy myth is that local honey helps too. Cecil said there isn’t evidence to support it, but if it works for someone, he’s OK with it.

Elliot said he will stick with his own natural remedy.

“I find that when I’m at work and I’m having an allergy attack, I can take like a wet rag, like hot water, and put it on my sinuses. And that usually helps to clear it out a little bit,” Elliot said. 

Cecil said if these remedies are still not working, it’s time to see a doctor.