Why are my allergies so bad around my dog
13 Things To Try If Your Allergies Are Worse Than Ever This Year
If youre really feeling it this allergy season, well, gesundheit. From sneezing to congestion to itchy eyeballs to a relentless runny nose, there are plenty of signs that allergy season is upon us and youre unfortunately one of its victims.
There are a host of factors that affect the strength allergy season not just from year to year, but from day to day, said Luz Fonacier, an allergist and immunologist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Among these factors are climate change, rainfall and even wind.
Since so many factors contribute to high pollen counts, its all but impossible to predict how intense an allergy season will be, Fonacier told HuffPost. In addition to taking steps to limit your exposure to allergens that affect you, seeing an allergist before the season starts can also help ensure you find relief.
For many, the last few weeks have been miserable. Before reaching for over-the-counter allergy relief, its important to get a diagnosis, Fonacier said. An allergist has advanced training and experience to properly diagnose your condition, identify your triggers and prescribe an allergy treatment and management plan to help you feel better and live better.
Once you learn more about your allergies and how to avoid your specific triggers, you may still be interested in abating your symptoms with medications and other therapies. Youll want to get these allergy aids sooner rather than later; the doctor advises against waiting until your symptoms are unbearable to start treatment.
So on your next trip to the pharmacy, be ready. The following tips and items may help mitigate the many annoyances that come with seasonal allergies, so they might be worth a try.
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Intranasal Sprays
These specific sprays the kind that are designed to go straight up your nostril are generally more effective than other types of allergy medicine for the initial treatment of seasonal allergies, Fonacier said. They can help decrease inflammation in the nasal passages and also decrease congestion. If your nose feels especially stuffy, this might be a helpful remedy for you.
Intranasal corticosteroids tend to be the most effective treatment if you suffer from persistent allergy symptoms, especially if they are interfering with your quality of life, Fonacier said. There are plenty of popular brands you can buy over the counter at your local pharmacy.
Eye Drops
If youve used eye drops to treat itchy, allergy-responsive eyes and found them to at least temporarily relieve your discomfort, keep the product in your anti-allergy arsenal. Visines allergy eye drops appear to be a crowd favorite, with more than 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. (Just a heads up: Many say that you will experience some tingling or burning at first, but they deliver results.)
A Nasal Flush
Some experts may suggest a saline solution to flush out your nasal passages. These products are sometimes called neti pots and are typically available to purchase over the counter.
While research indicates these can be effective A 2012 review of 10 studies showed that saline nasal irrigation had beneficial effects for people with allergic rhinitis, aka hay fever its important youre using the device correctly.
According to the FDA, this kind of nasal flush is generally regarded as safe, so long as you use the devices properly and according to instructions. The FDA has thorough guidelines on how to use these tools effectively here.
Oral Antihistamines
You can use oral antihistamines in combination with intranasal sprays to reduce your symptoms, Fonacier said, recommending the low or non-sedating type instead of the kinds that make you sleepy, like Benadryl. If youre looking for non-drowsy types, you could try brands like Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal, Claritin, Alavert or Clarinex, she added.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aka allergy shots have been shown to decrease certain allergy symptoms and prevent the development of new allergies, Fonacier said.
The effectiveness of allergy shots appears to be related to the length of the treatment program as well as the dose of the allergen. Some people experience lasting relief from allergy symptoms, while others may relapse after discontinuing allergy shots.
Youll want to talk with your allergist to find out if an allergy shot could be right for you.
Cooling Your Face With Some Eye Stones
Sometimes allergy relief looks like self-care. If your eyes are puffy from intolerable itchiness, maybe youd benefit from a pair of eye stones, which you first refrigerate and then place gently on your eyes.
If anything, the cooling sensation will feel good and, maybe even better, the stones will force you to rest in one place and just relax after a frustrating day of allergies.
Prescription Medication
While OTC treatments are widely available and effective at reducing symptoms, some people who suffer from allergies may benefit from a prescription leukotriene receptor antagonist, which has been approved for allergic rhinitis as a second-line treatment, Fonacier said. Of course, youll have to discuss this option with your allergist.
Staying Inside At Peak Points Of The Day
This treatment method may be easier this year than in years past; staying indoors with the windows and doors closed can help prevent worsening allergy symptoms, Fonacier said. Midday and afternoon hours are typically when pollen counts are highest, so keep this in mind as you consider your days and when you plan to leave the house.
This goes for the car, too even though a fresh breeze can feel invigorating, youll want to go for air conditioning and keep the windows closed to limit the amount of pollen that you come into contact with.
Investing In A Quality Vacuum
It isnt fair that you have to suffer from allergies and clean more often to feel better, but such is life. Pollen and other allergens can get trapped in your rugs and carpets and continue to haunt you, so get to the root of the issue by sucking these allergens out of your house.
One Hoover model is especially good for combating pet hair. A Dyson is also adept at capturing pet hair, allergens and truly anything else on your floors (its pricey, but once you use it youll understand why). Or you can go with an iRobot, which is strong on dust and best of all hands-free.
You may want to ask a family member or roommate to empty the vacuum for you (outdoors, preferably) so you dont have to suffer from all of the allergens youve finally captured.
Rinsing Off
Taking a shower, washing your hair and changing your clothes after spending time outdoors can also help relieve some of your allergy symptoms. These routines will limit how much time youll spend with pollen on your body. Be sure to wash your outdoor clothes before re-wearing them.
Wearing A Mask
Fonacier said wearing a mask, such as a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask, can help limit your dreadful allergy symptoms when youre outdoors, whether youre doing chores like mowing the lawn or just getting some sun. Consider this an added bonus of masks, since we know that wearing one can also help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Trying Acupuncture
If needles dont make you squeamish, you might want to give this ancient practice a go. A 2015 review of more than a dozen studies found that acupuncture showed beneficial results for both people with seasonal and year-long allergies.
Getting A Plant
Add some green to your home and youll arm it against allergens, too, so long as youre investing in the right kind of plant. While houseplants cant do the work of air purifiers, some have been shown to help remove harmful compounds from your indoor air, which could help dull your symptoms. A great plant to consider is a spider plant, which is extremely low maintenance (read: easy to keep alive). Some other plants to consider include an areca palm, a peace lily or an English ivy.
A final note on allergies: This year, its especially important to know about the symptoms that are not associated with seasonal allergies and asthma, Fonacier said. Symptoms including fever, loss of smell or taste, chills, nausea and vomiting are not signs of allergies and may be a result of the common cold or COVID-19.
Fonacier said its important to consider the context if, during previous allergy seasons, youve experienced a symptom like coughing, you can make an informed decision about the way you feel. If you have any doubts about the cause of your symptoms, reach out to your health care provider and schedule a COVID-19 test.
Allergies
Overview
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people.
Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn't. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.
The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies can't be cured, treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.
Products & Services
Symptoms
Allergy symptoms, which depend on the substance involved, can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:
- Sneezing
- Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
A food allergy can cause:
- Tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Hives
- Anaphylaxis
An insect sting allergy can cause:
- A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
- Itching or hives all over the body
- Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis
A drug allergy can cause:
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Rash
- Facial swelling
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause skin to:
- Itch
- Redden
- Flake or peel
Anaphylaxis
Some types of allergies, including allergies to foods and insect stings, can trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. A life-threatening medical emergency, anaphylaxis can cause you to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Loss of consciousness
- A drop in blood pressure
- Severe shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Lightheadedness
- A rapid, weak pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
When to see a doctor
You might see your health care provider if you have symptoms you think are caused by an allergy, and nonprescription allergy medications don't provide enough relief. If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the provider who prescribed it right away.
For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911 or your local emergency number or seek emergency medical help. If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, others), give yourself a shot right away.
Even if your symptoms improve after an epinephrine injection, you should go to the emergency department to make sure symptoms don't return when the effects of the injection wear off.
If you've had a severe allergy attack or any signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis in the past, make an appointment to see your health care provider. Evaluation, diagnosis and long-term management of anaphylaxis are complicated, so you'll probably need to see a provider who specializes in allergies and immunology.
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Causes
An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain on the alert for that particular allergen. When you're exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.
Common allergy triggers include:
- Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold
- Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
- Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp
- Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
- Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions
Risk factors
You might be more likely to develop an allergy if you:
- Have a family history of asthma or allergies, such as hay fever, hives or eczema
- Are a child
- Have asthma or another allergic condition
Complications
Having an allergy increases your risk of certain other medical problems, including:
- Anaphylaxis. If you have severe allergies, you're at increased risk of this serious allergy-induced reaction. Foods, medications and insect stings are the most common triggers of anaphylaxis.
- Asthma. If you have an allergy, you're more likely to have asthma an immune system reaction that affects the airways and breathing. In many cases, asthma is triggered by exposure to an allergen in the environment (allergy-induced asthma).
- Sinusitis and infections of the ears or lungs. Your risk of getting these conditions is higher if you have hay fever or asthma.
Prevention
Preventing allergic reactions depends on the type of allergy you have. General measures include the following:
- Avoid known triggers. Even if you're treating your allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. If, for instance, you're allergic to pollen, stay inside with windows and doors closed when pollen is high. If you're allergic to dust mites, dust and vacuum and wash bedding often.
- Keep a diary. When trying to identify what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms, track your activities and what you eat, when symptoms occur and what seems to help. This may help you and your provider identify triggers.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet. If you've had a severe allergic reaction, a medical alert bracelet (or necklace) lets others know that you have a serious allergy in case you have a reaction and you're unable to communicate.
Aug. 05, 2022