Are you managing your allergies or are they managing you?
The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the sun is shining. Spring should be a time of beautiful new beginnings and colorful new life all around. Unfortunately, many of us associate spring with sneezing, itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose and postnasal drip. Seasonal allergy symptoms are most evident in the spring and fall and are caused by the inhalation of pollen that comes from trees, grasses and weeds. Perennial allergy symptoms last year round and are often due to dust mites, mold, animal dander and cockroach debris. There are a few ways to manage these allergy symptoms that make so many people miserable.
When practical, avoidance of allergy triggers is an effective way to eliminate symptoms. Some ways to avoid these troublesome allergens include:
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of exposure to allergens while vacuuming
- Wash all bedding with hot water at least weekly
- Use dust mite proof pillow cases and mattress covers
- Do not allow pets to sleep in the bedroom
- Keep house and car windows closed during times of high pollen and mold
- Use a HEPA filter in HVAC systems
Another way to manage allergy symptoms is the use of daily medications. Oral and nasal antihistamines are an effective way to block the body’s response to allergens. Nasal corticosteroids reduce intranasal inflammation and block the body’s response to allergens. Leukotriene receptor antagonists block the action of other chemical messengers involved in allergic response.
The most effective and long lasting way to manage allergy symptoms is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is an effective way to modify the body’s immune response to allergens. The first step in initiating immunotherapy is allergy testing. Testing can be done in the office and tells us not only the presence of an allergy, but also the degree to which an individual responds to various allergens. These results are used to mix an allergy serum unique to each individual. This serum can either be given in the form of weekly subcutaneous injections or daily sublingual drops. Immunotherapy can be life changing by preventing or drastically reducing the body’s allergic response.
Are you are ready to positively change your life and start enjoying the outside again? If the answer is yes call ENTAS today to schedule your allergy testing.