Allergies are the body’s overreaction to ordinary substances in the environment. Allergies affect millions of Americans – in fact, about 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of kids have symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and hives. If you are in this group of allergy sufferers, you can manage your reactions with medication, avoidance strategies, and immunotherapy.
Can I Avoid the Things Which Trigger My Allergies?
One of the most effective strategies for managing allergies is knowing your triggers. Allergic triggers are the things which start a chemical chain reaction or allergic reaction in your body.
When you touch or inhale an allergen, your body releases histamines, leukotrienes, immunoglobulins (IgE) and other natural chemicals. The overabundance of these chemicals leads to the mild, moderate or severe symptoms we call allergies.
Common triggers include plant pollen, household dust, pet dander, mold, medications and certain foods. Once you identify your specific allergic triggers, you can take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to them. Your allergist can help you pinpoint your triggers through in-office skin prick testing, blood tests and other diagnostic tools.
Also, try keeping a diary of your allergy symptoms, along with when and where they occur. Note what, if anything, helps reduce them. This detailed information helps your healthcare provider develop a care plan to manage your allergy symptoms for the long-term. Plus, you will feel better and more in control of your health.
Here are some common allergen avoidance strategies primary healthcare providers and allergy specialists recommend. Some of them may help you.
- Wear a mask outdoors when gardening, cutting the lawn or working in dusty areas.
- Keep your windows closed on high pollen count days.
- Change clothes and shower after being outdoors.
- Read food labels to check for ingredients you are allergic to.
- Use a pollen count app to know what precautions you need to take as you go about your day.
- Replace HVAC filters frequently.
- Use a dehumidifier in the basement and other damp areas of the house.
- If pollen counts are high, proactively take your allergy medications prior to the start of symptoms.
How Do Medications Treat Allergies?
What can you do to treat allergies when trigger avoidance isn’t possible or practical? Here is where medications come in.
Antihistamines, decongestants, saline and steroidal nasal sprays and eye drops are all commonly used for managing allergies. These medications work by blocking the release of histamines and/or by reducing inflammation in the body.
If you experience severe symptoms due to insect stings, be sure to always carry an Epi-pen (injectable epinephrine) with you. This auto injectable medication quickly reverses anaphylactic symptoms such as labored breathing, low blood pressure, dizziness and more. Make sure relatives, co-workers, teachers and others know about your allergies and that you may need an Epi-pen injection.
In addition to medications, there are natural remedies which may be effective for you. These include using a neti pot to flush out allergens from the nasal passages and taking supplements such as vitamin C, grape seed extract and quercetin. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any natural remedies.
Will I Need Allergy Shots?
Another option for managing allergies is immunotherapy, or allergy shots. These are injections of small doses of known allergens. Over time, the body becomes desensitized to these allergic triggers. Tolerance increases, and allergy symptoms recede over time.
It can take several months or even years for immunotherapy to be effective. However, many people achieve long-term relief from their allergies with this kind of treatment.
Allergy and Illness Treatment Near You in Rochester, NY
At Cornerstone Urgent Care Center, our professional team understands that allergy symptoms sometimes mimic the symptoms of acute illnesses, such as the common cold, sinusitis or even the flu. If you or a loved one aren’t feeling well and don’t know if it’s due to allergies or illness, come see us.
We can diagnose what’s going on and tell you if you should see an allergist. We can help with localized reactions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), hives from insect stings or food allergies and more.
For your convenience and peace of mind, we are open seven days a week: 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 7 pm Saturdays and Sundays. You may just walk in during our regular hours, or you can check-in ahead of time here.
To learn more about our services, call (585) 207-0088. We will be happy to be of service for your non life-threatening health matters.
