How to Treat Allergies

According to WebMD, as many as 2 out of 10 people in the United States have allergies (see Resources below). Some are seasonal and others can last all year, depending on the source. Major contributors to allergic reactions include food, pet dander, insect stings, pollen and medicines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Identify the Source of Allergies

1. Understand an allergic reaction is the body's abnormal immune response to some substance in the environment.
2. Recognize the location of irritation generally identifies the type of allergen. For instance, an allergic reaction such as teary eyes, runny nose and difficulty breathing is likely associated with an air-borne allergen.
3. Realize that almost anything can be an allergen (cause an allergic response). The most common offenders include certain foods such as peanuts and shellfish, vaccines, poison ivy and bee stings. Common medication allergies include penicillin.
4. Submit to an allergy skin test or a blood test known as RAST to identify specific allergens.

Determine Methods to Treat Allergies

5. Remove the source of the allergen if possible. Use measures to remove pollen and other annoying particles from your home through air filtering purifiers and frequent cleaning of all surfaces.
6. Take steroid nasal sprays as directed by your physician to decrease the nasal inflammation associated with allergies.
7. Try leukotriene inhibitors such as Singulair for relief of seasonal allergy symptoms. Available by prescription only, this medication is a convenient once-daily dose.
8. Learn about antihistamines for control of annoying symptoms. Many brands and types are available as over-the-counter medications in local pharmacies. If in doubt about the one that best treats your allergy symptoms, talk to your physician or pharmacist.
9. Ask your allergist if allergy shots (immunotherapy) will help your allergy symptoms. While the shots don't cure the allergy, they are made to reduce your body's sensitivity to the allergen. The treatment regimen lasts for years.
10. Consider the idea of many naturopathic doctors who recommend certain spices such as cayenne pepper, fenugreek, onion, garlic and hot ginger to open the sinuses. They propose that the spicier the dish, the thinner the mucous secretions.

Tips & Warnings

• Allergies tend to run in families. Learn your family history for early intervention and prevention of allergy-related illnesses.
• Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, affects the entire body and requires immediate medical attention. It may be progressive beginning with itchy eyes and progress quickly to difficulty breathing, dizziness or confusion.

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