Are you suffering from allergy symptoms?
Allergies are your body’s reaction to normally harmless substances.
Allergy symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, asthma medicines and immunotherapy.
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to an allergen. If you have allergies, the first time you encounter a specific allergen, your body responds by creating immunoglobulin E (IgE). Your immune system makes antibodies to form IgE.
IgE antibodies bind to mast cells (allergy cells) that live in your skin, respiratory tract (airways) and the mucus membrane in the hollow organs that connect to each other from your mouth to your anus (gastrointestinal or GI tract).
The antibodies find the allergens in your body and help remove them by taking them to the mast cell (allergy cell), where they attach to a special receptor. This causes the allergy cell to release histamine. Histamine is what causes your allergy symptoms.
Management and Treatment
How are allergies treated?
Avoiding allergens is an important treatment approach. However, it often doesn’t completely end allergic reactions. Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications are also a solution to managing your allergies.
What is the best treatment for allergies?
Nasal steroid sprays are generally the most effective medication for people with allergic rhinitis symptoms. Antihistamines block some of the effects of histamine and may offer additional benefits. Immunotherapy helps create a tolerance to allergens and can improve many of the symptoms related to inhalant allergy exposure.
Remember, your body is unique. What over-the-counter or prescription medications work for one person may not work well for you.
Talk to a healthcare provider. They can help recommend the best treatment for you.
Prevention
How can I prevent allergies?
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens. You can also take antihistamines or other medications daily to help control your symptoms and reduce your allergic reaction.
If you have animal allergies, avoid petting, hugging or kissing animals. Don’t allow them in your bedroom or on your furniture.
Regularly vacuuming rugs, carpets and other surfaces helps remove dust, animal dander, pollen and other allergens.
High-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters can also help. These air purifiers remove airborne allergens from your environment.
What can I expect if I have allergies?
Living with allergies can be challenging. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. However, with caution, you can lead a fulfilling life. Your healthcare provider can recommend resources, support groups and specialists to help you.
How long can allergies last?
Your allergies will last as long as your allergen exposure. Once you’re no longer around allergens, your symptoms should go away after a few hours. However, if you have inhalant allergies, your symptoms may last for several days or longer due to ongoing exposure to pets, dust mites and pollens.
A note from Dr Pad Clinic
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly triggers an allergic reaction to an allergen. Allergic reaction symptoms include congestion, watery eyes, a runny nose, vomiting and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Allergies can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t know what’s triggering your immune system. However, a healthcare provider can help provide relief. They can conduct tests to pinpoint your allergies and prescribe medications.
