Allergy Treatment
There are a number of approaches you can take to treating your allergies. Of course, your choice will depend largely on the types of symptoms you’ve been experiencing, as well as the severity of those symptoms. Still, there is no such thing as a cure for allergies. Allergy treatment, whatever the method, focuses on avoiding the allergen as much as possible, and relieving the symptoms by the most effective available means. Treatment for allergy relief must start with controlling your environment. That means limiting your exposure to the substances that trigger a barrage of uncomfortable allergy symptoms. If dust mites are the culprits, you can get the problem under control:
- Use hardwood floors instead of carpeting.
- Get rid of throw rugs or keep them down to a minimum that you wash regularly.
- Choose wood furniture over upholstered furniture whenever possible.
- Use washable curtains instead of shades, which collect dust.
- Purchase a HEPA filter.
- Limit clutter, particularly in the bedroom.
- Put plastic cases on mattresses and pillows.
- Wear a dust mask when cleaning and vacuuming.
- Avoid using fans because they stir up dust and carry outdoor allergens in.
If you’re allergic to an outdoor airborne substance such as pollen, avoid going outside when pollen counts are particularly high. When you have been outside, wash your hair and skin, and change into fresh clothing; don’t forget to wash the outfit that you wore outdoors. Once control factors have been put into place, your allergy symptoms will be less severe. But, they can still create a frustrating nuisance. That’s when medical treatment comes into the picture to provide some allergy relief.
The two main types of allergy relief medication are antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines block the production histamine, a chemical that your body releases in the presence of an allergen. Antihistamines relieve redness, itchiness, and swelling symptoms. Sleepiness is a common side effect of many antihistamines. If this is a concern, look specifically for non-drowsy formulas. Antihistamines are available both over the counter and by prescription, depending on their strength. The same is true of decongestants, which can reduce nasal, chest, and sinus congestion. Nasal decongestants work by restricting blood vessels. Bronchial decongestants, also known as bronchodilators, work by relaxing the muscles that surround the lung’s air tubes. They get coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing in check.
Besides antihistamines and decongestants, allergy sufferers may be prescribed oral or inhaled steroid medications for reducing inflammation. However, the long-term use of oral steroid medications is not recommended, since they may cause troublesome systemic side effects. If one of your allergy symptoms is skin irritation, a topical steroid cream may prove to be the happy medium.
Allergy shots are yet another treatment option. In more severe cases patients, such as allergic asthma, patients may opt to have shots that gradually expose them to small doses of their allergen so they can build up immunity. This approach to allergy relief is called immunotherapy. Unlike most other allergy relief treatments, immunotherapy focuses more on getting to the root of the problem than relieving resultant symptoms.