Allergy Treatment And Relief

You may know the feeling. It often involves itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing. In some cases, maybe you get hives or a skin rash. If you sometimes suffer from the above symptoms, the culprit may be allergies. Allergies affect people of all ages and are very common.

Allergies can cause you to miss work, interfere with activities and make you miserable. In addition to annoying symptoms, allergic reactions can sometimes be life-threatening. Anaphylactic shock involves a severe allergic reaction, which can cause swelling of the throat and obstruct airflow.   

What Causes Allergies?

You can thank your immune system for your allergy symptoms. Your immune system releases certain chemicals when it identifies a harmful substance has entered the body. These chemicals play a role in fighting off infection. But your immune system can overreact in some instance.

When you are allergic to a substance, such as pet dander, your immune system identifies that substance as harmful, even though it is not. An immune response is triggered, and chemicals called immunoglobulin E antibodies are released into the bloodstream. The antibodies travel to certain cells, which then produce histamines and, typical allergy symptoms may develop.

It’s difficult to say why some people are susceptible to allergies and some people are not. There does seem to be a hereditary link. For example, if you have a parent who has a peanut or other type of food allergy, you are at an increased risk of having an allergy.

According to UCLA Medical Center, about one in five people in the United States now suffer from allergies. One theory on why there is an increase in allergies is the widespread use of antibacterial soaps, cleaning products and hand sanitizers. Researchers theorize, using antibacterial products reduces exospore to pathogens in childhood, which may alter the normal development of the immune system.

Determining Your Allergy Triggers

Some allergies are seasonal while others may occur all year. Common causes of seasonal allergies include pollen and ragweed. Frequent causes of year-round allergies may include dust and pet dander. Some people are also allergic to certain foods, chemicals and molds.

See Also: One Pill To Stop Allergy For Life. Will The FDA Approve?

Usually the first step in finding allergy relief is determining what you are allergic to. Together with your doctor you can determine what substance is causing your allergic reaction. This substance, called an allergen, may be easy to identify. For example, if you eat peanuts and develop sudden symptoms, such as hives or itching, you will know right away that you are allergic. In other instances, you may have sneezing and develop itchy eyes certain times of the year. Since there are many substances both inside and outside the home, it may take a little investigative work to determine what your allergens are.

Consider keeping track of what symptoms you develop, where you are and what you were doing. Keeping a record of symptoms will help you determine a pattern. Overtime, you should be able to narrow down what your allergens may be.

Visiting An Allergist For Professional Allergy Treatment

Allergy Testing

Whether you have a good idea of what you are allergic to or not, an allergist can help. Allergists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating allergic reactions. There are different tests allergists may do to confirm the diagnosis.

 Allergy skin tests involve injecting a small amount of a suspected allergen under the surface of the skin. If you are allergic to the substance injected, a small, localized reaction will occur, such as redness or itching. Because a small amount is injected, a systemic or whole body reaction does not usually occur.

In some cases, your doctor may also order a certain type of blood test, which can help confirm a diagnosis to a specific allergen. The test is called a radioallergosorbent test or RAST. It measures the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies in the bloodstream. Your allergist will decide if both skin tests and blood tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Allergy Treatment Options

Once you and your doctor know what you are allergic to, a treatment plan can be developed. In some instances, you may be able to avoid contact with the allergen. For example, if you are allergic to certain perfumes or chemicals in detergents you may be able to avoid them and prevent symptoms.

There may also be ways you can reduce exposure to allergens. For example, having proper ventilation in areas that can get damp, such as the bathroom, can reduce mold growth. Frequent washing of bedding and vacuuming may help decrease dust and pet dander.

But not all allergens can be avoided at all times. For example, if you are allergic to dust, it may be impossible to reduce all exposure to dust all the time. Your doctor may recommend different allergy treatments depending on what you are allergic to and the severity of your symptoms.

The goal of this type of treatment is for an individual to develop a tolerance to the allergen. Once they are desensitized to the allergen and buildup a tolerance to it, it no longer causes an allergic reaction. After a tolerance is reached, maintenance shots may still be needed. Your doctor will determine how often shots are required.

See Also: Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) as Long Term Allergy Relief

Over the counter allergy medication may be recommended, especially if allergies are seasonal and mild. Prescription allergy medication may also be used in some instances. Both over the counter and prescription medications do not cure allergies, but they can treat symptoms. Common medications used include decongestants, antihistamines and steroids.

For people who have had severe allergic reactions in the past, their doctor may recommend carrying emergency epinephrine. Usually epinephrine for allergies can be carried in a premeasured device, which is easily injected. Epinephrine works by opening up your airways and helping you breathe easier.