Do you have allergy symptoms that put your life on hold or force you to take medications that slow you down? Advances in allergy treatments have opened up the options for people who have moderate to severe allergies. With over-the-counter and prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and allergy shots, effective treatment options are available.
Allergy Treatment Options
Your first step in exploring allergy treatment options should include seeing a doctor and getting tested for allergies. Allergy testing via a scratch on the skin doesn’t take long, and it guides your treatment by pinpointing your allergy triggers. Allergy blood tests may also be an option.
With a diagnosis that includes your specific allergens, you can also pursue appropriate, targeted treatment options, such as:
- Allergy medications
- Allergy shots
- Lifestyle modifications
Learn more about our approach to allergy treatment
Allergy Medications
Widely available allergy medications have made it possible for allergy sufferers to find relief from the sneezing, coughing, congestion, hives, and other symptoms. The initial choices include oral antihistamines and nasal sprays, both of which are available over the counter.
Antihistamine pills can cause some side effects, such as drowsiness. These side effects can vary from person to person. Most of the time, seasonal allergy sufferers can get temporary relief from symptoms. A daily pill may be less attractive for year-round allergy patients. For best results, discuss your lifestyle and tolerances with your doctor.
Nasal sprays can provide instant relief from itchy, runny noses. They include steroids that reduce inflammation, but they can lead to bloody noses and other complications. Proper application of the sprays is important, so be sure to review how to use them with your doctor.
Allergy Shots
If allergies severely limit your lifestyle, it may be time to consider allergy shots. Essentially, these shots are a form of immunotherapy, where the physician gives you small weekly injections of your allergens to train your body that the allergen isn’t going to hurt you. Over time, the doses increase little by little to build up your tolerance. Allergy shots can be very effective, however, they take at least six months to reach the point of symptom relief. Learn more about immunotherapy for allergies, which is a specialization of Dr. Stemmerman.
Lifestyle Modifications
For some people, seasonal allergies may be manageable through lifestyle changes that help you avoid allergens or control their presence. If allergy symptoms are mild, this approach of avoiding triggers and washing away pollens and animal dander could serve as an effective way to reduce symptoms and avoid medications. Other lifestyle changes for allergy sufferers include keeping pets clean and groomed, using HEPA air purifiers, and wearing a mask when dusting or vacuuming.
For example, by staying inside when spring or fall pollens are highest, you may be able to avoid severe allergy symptoms. If you do spend time outside or with animals that cause you to sneeze and wheeze, nasal irrigation and showering immediately after triggering activities will wash allergens away, which may help reduce your symptoms. Showering before bed and frequently washing linens helps avoid several more hours of exposure to pollens. Nasal irrigation uses a neti pot and distilled water to clean out the nasal passages. However, the technique can be difficult to master and the supplies need to be kept clean and sanitary.
Stop suffering — explore allergy treatments with Dr. Stemmerman at Infinity Medical Clinic. Once you learn your exact allergy triggers, she can create an allergy treatment plan that works for you.
