Allergies can impede on the quality of life. They can impede outdoor activities, cause symptoms to flare-up frequently and inhibit school performance and productivity.
Allergies can also cause mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Living with allergies may be challenging, but managing their symptoms can be achieved.
Identify Your Triggers
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances that normally do not cause harm, like pollen, pet dander or medicines. Your immune system creates antibodies that recognize these as potentially dangerous substances – when in contact again they cause symptoms like runny noses and itchy eyes.
Things that trigger allergies generally fall into three categories: inhaled allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander; objects you touch or consume such as food, eggs and milk; as well as drugs and chemicals such as insect stings, latex or certain medications. It can be challenging to pinpoint exactly which substance or substance is triggering your symptoms since their source can vary throughout the year or not be directly connected with one factor.
Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting what seems to bring them on or worsen them, in order to better pinpoint allergy triggers. Speak with healthcare providers regarding allergy tests which can identify which allergens may be triggering reactions; once identified, avoiding them and using appropriate treatment options like antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays will often provide much-needed relief from allergy symptoms.
Know Your Allergens
Allergies can manifest as various symptoms that impact various parts of the body. For instance, respiratory allergies (hay fever) can result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes; though some allergy sufferers might consider these inconveniences minor ones, untreated allergies can interfere with daily activities and social interactions dramatically.
Food allergies may lead to symptoms like stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. When severe symptoms emerge, they can result in anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical care and lifesaving measures.
As soon as you suspect yourself or your child may have allergies, it is wise to consult an allergist immediately. They can perform allergy testing to identify allergens and develop a plan to manage or avoid them.
As part of your allergy treatment, be sure to keep a diary noting everything from what you eat and symptoms experienced, along with their frequency. Doing this will allow an allergist to identify the source of your allergy more accurately. In addition, inform key people in your life – including school staff and friends – of your allergies so they are aware of them and supportive. If an allergist has given you an epinephrine auto-injector prescription, learn how to use it and keep it handy at all times just in case an acute reaction arises – saving lives! If any questions or concerns about allergy treatment come your way please reach out – our office in Metairie has got you covered!
Be Prepared
Allergies are your immune system’s natural reaction to perceived or actual invaders. However, untreated allergies can create chronic inflammation which decreases immune system functioning and increases risk for diseases, infections and autoimmune disorders like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Untreated allergies can also cause fatigue, sleeplessness and depression; their symptoms could also compromise quality of life as you may shun social activities, travel and any activities that put you at risk of allergies.
Food allergies put people at increased risk of gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore it’s crucial that they consult a doctor who can assist in managing these symptoms through medications or other forms of treatment.
As important, it is to make sure all household members are aware of allergies and how to avoid cross-contact when preparing meals at home. For instance, children who eat peanut butter and jelly may accidentally introduce allergens by using their knife to prepare other food such as eggs, meat or vegetables; this could result in an allergic reaction from someone with an aversion.
Communication with restaurant staff when dining out is of utmost importance when dealing with allergens or potential allergens. Request an allergen-free meal that does not contain an allergen-containing item on their menu and ensure that no allergic reaction arises from eating there.
See Your Healthcare Provider
Allergies are overreactions by your immune system to substances that normally don’t bother most people – allergens – such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander (the skin cells from animals with fur or feathers). When exposed to allergens, however, your body makes antibodies which mark it as harmful despite it not actually being harmful; upon exposure they trigger various symptoms in skin, sinuses, airways and digestive tract ranging from mild to severe; in rare instances they can even become life threatening requiring medical intervention.
All allergy symptoms can be managed using antihistamines, nasal steroids and decongestants. You should also try avoiding allergens that exacerbate your symptoms such as pollen during high pollen counts or taking steps to protect your home against dust mites.
Your UCHealth healthcare provider will review your history, conduct a physical exam and conduct allergy tests to pinpoint which allergens are triggering symptoms. They’ll also discuss treatment options such as avoidance, medication and immunotherapy (which trains your immune system not to overreact). If you have experienced serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis in the past, wearing an alert bracelet with two epinephrine injectors at all times may also be advised.
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