Controlling allergies may be possible
without overindulging in antihistamines. See if the following tips can help you
combat allergies this spring.
1. What's the problem? Most seasonal
allergies are triggered by pollen, but different tree, grass or weed pollens
might affect you differently. Check the news to see which pollen levels are
high when your symptoms are flaring. For more precise testing, visit an
allergist.
2. Create a pollen prevention plan. Rene
Albert Leon, M.D., a board-certified allergist and immunologist on the medical
staff at Baylor Regional Medical
Center at Grapevine,
recommends these steps:
.Close your windows and doors; use your air conditioning.
.Pollen levels are highest in the morning, so schedule your
outdoor activities for afternoons or evenings.
.Change your clothes after you come in from outside.
.Bathe before bed to keep pollen off pillows and sheets.
.Wash your hands if you pet an animal that's been outside.
3.
Fight your symptoms. Your allergies could lead to itchy eyes, a runny nose,
sneezing, a scratchy throat or nasal congestion. Try saline eye drops and nose
sprays first. If you don't get relief with those treatments, talk with your
doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, with or without
decongestants. Be sure to let him know if you are on medication for a chronic
condition, as some allergy medications can cause harmful interactions with
other drugs.
If symptoms persist, visit your doctor, who
can prescribe a stronger version of an OTC medication, a steroid nasal spray or
a leukotriene modifier—an asthma medication that's showing promise in treating
allergy symptoms.
For the most severe allergy cases,
immunotherapy—commonly known as allergy shots—can provide relief. An allergist
will test you to see which allergens trigger responses then help desensitize
your body so you no longer have symptoms.
"These are usually very effective," Dr. Leon
says.
With a new procedure, called rush
immunotherapy, people can complete the allergy-shot process more quickly,
getting to symptom relief sooner.
Source: Newswise
RAS/S
Advertisement
Careers
