An allergy refers to the immune reaction of your body to foreign substances known as allergens. Allergens could be substances that are ingested, inhaled, injected, or touched. Most common allergic reactions result in coughing, rashes, a raspy throat, running nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and sneezing. In cases of a severe allergic reaction, patients may suffer from breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, low blood pressure, and even death.
As of now, there is no documented cure for allergies. It is, however, possible to manage allergies using various treatments and prevention measures. Allergies are among the most common but frequently ignored diseases, with millions of people adopting ways to manage their allergies.
Facts and Figures About Allergies
It is estimated that more than 50 million people in America suffer from different kinds of allergies annually. Further, studies indicate that allergies rank sixth among the causes of chronic diseases in the United States.
There are more than 30000 emergency room visits related to anaphylaxis to food are recorded every year. Additionally, allergic reactions account for more than 18 billion dollars spend every year, while food allergies take up more than 25 billion dollars annually.
How to Manage Allergies and Prevent Symptoms
Allergies are bothersome. The good news is there are different ways to manage symptoms and prevent disruptions due to allergies. Below are some tips on how to manage allergies and their symptoms:
Consult Your Doctor
Most allergies share the same symptoms. It is possible to misjudge and take the wrong medication for an allergy based on the symptoms. The best thing to do whenever you have an allergy is to first consult with your doctor to determine the cause.
After establishing the cause of the allergy, your doctor can recommend the ideal medication to help you get rid of the symptoms and get the allergy under control.
Avoid the Outdoors on Dry Windy Days
There is no worse time to be outside than during the day if you suffer from allergies. If you have nothing to do outside your house during such conditions, it is best to stay indoors. The best time to go outside is after a good downpour which can help reduce pollen being carried in the air.
Do Not Work on Your Lawn and Landscape
There may be some plants and flowers in your lawn that can potentially trigger allergens. To avoid allergies due to such, you should delegate all your landscaping needs. Also, make sure that any windows that face the lawn stay closed to prevent any allergens from getting into the house.
How to Prevent Allergies at Work
Nothing could be worse than reacting to an allergy while at work. It can potentially ruin your entire day and affect your productivity. Below is a strategy to help you manage your allergies at the office for maximum performance and productivity.
Get Diagnosed
If you are to manage an allergy effectively, you need to know the triggers that cause your symptoms. This way, you will know what to avoid and the treatment that will work best. You can visit your doctor, who may refer you to an allergist for further tests.
Adjust Your Surroundings
Find anything that you are allergic to in your office and get rid of it. If any cushions attract dust mites, make sure they are replaced. Also, purchase an immobile filter to remove any pet dander or pollen from the air. On days with a high pollen count, resort to eating inside. Also, find out if high-efficiency filters can be installed and whether it is possible to get a carpet replacement in your working space.
Find the Appropriate Medicine
If your allergies are moderate or severe, you will need medication. Antihistamines are the most common option for patients with allergies. They are highly effective if you have symptoms like itchy eyes or a runny nose. The second-line treatment includes liquids, eye drops, pills, and nasal sprays. The side effects vary from one medication to another, so you should consult your doctor beforehand. In the case of antihistamines, they should be used in the early days of the allergy season and not when you experience full-blown symptoms.
You can potentially worsen the symptoms by using OTC decongestant sprays for more than three days running. You do not necessarily need a prescription to purchase nasal steroid sprays. When used daily before the onset and throat because of the pollen season, they can be very effective. They work best on post nasal drip and congestion.
Conclusion
Allergies are a nuisance to anyone that has experienced them. If you have problems with allergies, you need to find a way to manage them. The best option is to visit your doctor to determine the course and find the best medication. You can also take some prevention measures to stay indoors when it is dry and windy outside, avoid doing any work on your lawn, install high-quality filters, and make necessary adjustments to your surroundings.