Allergies can be a nuisance, and as such, it is possible to fall prey to any remedy that claims to reduce your allergic attacks or offers to alleviate the symptoms. They can affect your day-to-day activities, and in the worst-case scenario, some allergic reactions are lifelong. While it is possible to outgrow your childhood allergic reactions, most people have to learn how to manage their reactions.
Some people are just allergy-prone, and having one type of allergic reaction will predispose them to the risk of developing an array of reactions. If you think your allergies Rockville are getting in your way, your allergist may recommend that you go for tests to help determine your triggers and help manage your reactions either through doctor-supervised treatments or self-management.
Self-Management of Allergies
After analyzing your condition, your physician may recommend self-management as the best anti-allergy defense. This will happen if the doctor identifies your condition as mild and manageable through over-the-counter medications. Some of the ways to self-improve your allergy symptoms include;
Antihistamines
When the body is sensitive to dust, pet dander, pollen, and even certain foods, the body mounts an immune response by producing the chemical histamine. Overproduction of histamine can cause a runny and itchy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Antihistamines help manage the symptoms caused by too much histamine production. They are taken before exposure to the allergens or after noticing the symptoms.
Decongestants
Decongestants offer short-term relief for blocked airways by relieving sinus pressure through reduced inflammation in the nasal cavity. They can be taken as pills, nasal sprays, and liquids.
Steroid Nasal Sprays
They provide relief from nasal congestion and swelling, sneezing, and a running nose. They are available as sprays, creams, drops, tablets, and inhalers.
Saline Sprays
They are available in the form of gels and sprays that help keep your nose moist to remove any accumulating mucus or crust.
Immunotherapy
If OTC medications do not work, you might be a good candidate for immunotherapy. Even though immunotherapy is not a designed cure for allergies, it helps reduce your sensitivity and allergic reactions. Your physician will deem you fit for immunotherapy if you are unable to keep off from your triggers and if the OTC medications are interfering with others of your prescriptions.
Immunotherapy is administered in the form of allergy shots renowned as SCIT (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). You can also get oral immunotherapy (OIT) which is ideal for peanut allergies. Immunotherapy introduces small amounts of allergens to the body over several months to help you adjust to the allergen and react less severely.
Preventing Allergic Reactions
Allergies are becoming more common, with millions of Americans experiencing different allergic reactions. They can be complicated to treat since they come, go, switch and even evolve with time. Moreover, a new environment can mean a new allergic reaction. It is thus possible to catch a more life-threatening allergic reaction that could send your body into anaphylaxis shock, with symptoms progressing from mild to severe. As such, the best way to prevent allergic reactions is by knowing your triggers and avoiding them.