Allergy Treatment Options

Many a time, when we involve in cleaning or dusting activities, we tend to sneeze or experience an irritation in the nose or may be itching in the hair. The common term coined for such a condition is allergy. But what exactly is this allergy? Well, our body's immune system is designed in such a way that it combats any foreign substance which is not in sync with the functioning of our body. Hence, when doing sundry jobs (like cleaning), one may inhale dust particles or spores of the mold, which may incite an immediate response from the immune system. This response causes the allergic reaction, indicating the anomaly. For instance, certain gases can also cause severe allergic reactions like watery eyes, running nose and skin rash. The substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens (which could be gases, pollen, mold spores, animal dander etc..). In fact, the human body could also be allergic to certain foods (like nuts and certain fruits).

Options for Treating Allergies

Allergy treatment options always start with limited or no exposure to allergens. Let's discuss each option in detail:

Avoiding Allergens
Certain foods cause allergies in children. Foods like cow's milk, hen's eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soybeans are tangible allergens for children. Whereas some adults are more allergic to mollusks, crustaceans, fish and nuts. In children, the allergy is usually symptomatic, leading to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction that affects the whole of the body). Some symptoms include hives, skin rash, swollen lips and eyelids, wheezing, shortness of breath and vomiting. It these symptoms are detected post meals, it is a strong case of an allergic reaction. Hence, the best allergy treatment option relates to "prevention is better than cure". Precisely, avoid consuming foods that you are allergic to. This is also because testing for allergies is a contentious aspect of food allergy department and does not suffice by doing a skin test or a blood test. And a very important point which should not be missed here, keep your home clean and get rid of black mold (if any) that is breeding in the wet and damp areas of your home (like the basements, attics, bathrooms and the kitchen closets). And yes, this is the best allergy treatment option for children as treating children more often with medicines is not a good practice as it hampers their developing immune system.

Medications for Allergies
Medicines like antihistamines are used for treating allergic symptoms. This medication is available in the form of pills, eye drops and nasal spray. Some allergy medicines that are available over the counter are Claritin, Benadryl, Tavist, Zyrtec and Dimentane. Other prescribed drugs include Clarinex, Xyzal, Allegra, Astelin (nasal spray) , Emadine and Livostin (Both are eye drops). Now when the body responds to allergic reaction, the immune system releases a chemical substance known as histamine which causes the blood vessels to enlarge. This is why the symptoms of allergic reactions (like redness of skin: eczema, itching and wheezing) become evident. Antihistamines palliate these symptoms with almost immediate effect. But be careful with these medications as an overdose of antihistamines will lead to antihistamine side effects (like drowsiness). Along with antihistamines, decongestants are also prescribed. However excessive consumption of decongestants can lead to high blood pressure and insomnia. Even steroids (corticosteroids) are prescribed for reducing the inflammation in the nasal tract and blood vessels. They are also available in oral form as nasal sprays (Beconase, Nasonex, Veramyst and Rhinocort) and eye drops (Alrex and Dexamethasone). For people suffering from asthma, bronchodilators (inhaled drugs that are used to relax the muscles around the nasal tract) are prescribed.

Allergy Therapy
Immunotherapy is a medical term used for subduing an intensified immune response. The agents that are used in this therapy are known as immunomodulators which are a combination of synthetic, natural and recombinant cytokines. This therapy provides allergy shots that help the immune system to build tolerance towards allergens. A 3-5 year regimen of this therapy is believed to yield long term benefits for people who are extremely allergic and sensitive to certain allergens which cannot be avoided in normal life. This therapy is tailored by an allergist and is most recommended for people suffering from allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Allergy Treatment Guidelines

Apart from the above stated allergy treatment options, here are some of the important key points to be kept in mind when being exposed to allergens:

• When doing household chores like cleaning or gardening, make sure that you tie a handkerchief across your nose and mouth or use a mask to prevent any allergens (like mold/dust/pollen) from entering your nasal tract.
• People who are extremely allergic to food must first run a thorough check on food labels to find out if the food contains allergens.
• During heavy pollination seasons and on windy days, keep the doors and windows closed. Also it is advised not to have indoor plants in such seasons.
• Replace feathery pillow and woolen blankets with cotton or synthetic alternatives.
• Make sure your pet is free off fleas and mildew. Many a time, they become carriers of certain harmful allergens.
• Use air filters and dehumidifiers to keep the atmosphere inside the home, cool and dry. Warm and moist atmosphere invite mold and mildew to breed.

And for an instant relief, one can prepare home remedies, like a potion made of honey and ginger or a hot green tea. One cannot avoid allergens all the time. So it is a good practice to develop a healthy immune system by following the above guidelines stated.