There’s nothing worse than suffering from allergies and/or asthma. From seasonal allergies, to pet allergies, to exercise induced asthma, breathing problems can be inconvenient at best, and life threatening at worst. Let’s go over five ways that you can treat both allergies, and asthma at home. However, don’t forget that there are some cases which require a doctor’s attention, so make sure you seek professional help if you need it.

1. Caffeine
One of the best ways to open up your airways during a spell of asthma is to drink something with a high level of caffeine in it such as coffee or black tea. This has been shown to give relief for up to four hours in most case. The reason this works is because the caffeine opens your air way similar to the asthma drug theophylline. Just be wary if you have a heart condition or an allergy to caffeine. If so, then this isn’t the remedy for you, but don’t worry, there are others.

2. Dealing with pet allergies
Pet allergies are some of the worst to deal with, and can negatively impact your relationship with your pet. While dealing with a spell can be taken care of with nasal sprays, apple cider vinegar, and the like, it’s best to try and prevent pet caused allergies from occurring in the first place. One of the best ways to do this is to keep your pets away from sensitive areas such as your bed, and on your furniture. You should also groom them daily, or have someone else in your home do so if this is something that triggers you. Most pet caused allergies are caused by pet dander, so keeping it to a minimum through giving your pet a healthy diet, and regular grooming is your best bet.

3. Stay hydrated
When it comes to beating seasonal allergies, staying hydrated is more important than you think. Most people don’t get enough hydration, and this can cause a lot of issues; having a worse reaction to allergens being one of them. For most people, drinking 8, 8 ounce glasses of water a day is a good goal to shoot for. Just remember that there is such a thing as drinking too much water. Water toxicity does exist, and it can be deadly, so make sure you keep your water drinking habits within reasonable limits.

4. Garlic
Garlic has long been recognized for having powerful health properties, and helping to lessen the symptoms of allergies is just another one of its benefits. Eating a clove of garlic when experiencing allergic symptoms works because garlic gives a strong boost to your immune system, helping it to fight back against your allergies.

5. A warm bath or shower
When suffering from asthma, including exercise induced asthma, taking a warm bath or shower can be a big help. The water vapors work to open up your airways, allowing you to breathe a little easier. Just remember that asthma attacks are serious business, and don’t neglect to take any medication you have for them.