How to Treat Allergies

Allergies can range from mild discomfort to severe reactions requiring emergency care. They occur when the body produces antibodies against substances that are not truly harmful (such as cat fur or dust mites). This overreaction of the immune system can lead to symptoms like skin irritation, nasal congestion, digestive issues, and even life-threatening reactions. There are various home remedies to alleviate allergies, but if these methods do not work, a visit to the doctor may be necessary.

Recognizing Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated promptly, occurring within minutes of an allergic reaction. Symptoms include:

• Hives
• Itching
• Red or pale skin
• Feeling of tightness in the throat
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Weak and rapid pulse
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fainting

Inject Epinephrine if you have it on hand. Administer Epinephrine (EpiPen) if it is available. Follow the instructions provided on the packaging.

• Inject the medication in the upper, outer thigh. Avoid injecting in other areas to prevent side effects.
• Do not use medication that has changed color or contains solid particles.

Seek medical help even after administering the medication. Anaphylaxis can quickly become fatal, so it is important to visit a healthcare facility even if you feel better.

• It is essential for a doctor to examine you, as symptoms could return.
• Injecting Epinephrine may cause side effects such as skin reactions, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeats, vomiting, stroke, and breathing difficulties.

Identify common allergy triggers. You may experience various allergy symptoms depending on the trigger. Common allergens include:

• Airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander (dog or cat fur), dust mites, and mold can cause nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing.
• Bee stings can lead to swelling, pain, itching, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
• Foods like peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish, eggs, and milk can cause digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even anaphylaxis.
• Medications like penicillin often cause skin reactions such as rashes, itching, hives, or anaphylaxis.
• Contact with latex or similar materials can lead to local irritations like rashes, hives, itching, blisters, or peeling skin.
• Even non-allergic reactions may occur from extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure, or skin friction.

See a doctor for allergy testing. If you are unable to identify the allergen on your own, a doctor can perform tests to determine the cause.

• Using a skin prick test, doctors will apply a small amount of suspected allergens to your skin and monitor for redness or swelling reactions.
• A blood test will help the doctor assess whether your body has an immune response to specific allergens.

Identifying food allergies using an elimination method. This process should be carried out under a doctor's supervision.

• Eliminate foods that you suspect are causing the allergy from your diet.
• If the suspected food is the culprit, allergy symptoms should improve.
• Your doctor may ask you to reintroduce the food to see if symptoms return, which can help confirm whether it's the cause of the allergy.
• Keep a record of the foods you eat during the trial process to assist you and your doctor in tracking symptoms and identifying any other potential allergens you're still exposed to.

Try natural remedies. Consult with your doctor before using dietary supplements or herbs, especially if you're taking medication or are ill, to avoid potential drug interactions or worsening your condition. Additionally, due to the lack of standardized dosing for herbs, it can be difficult to know the proper amount you're using. Remember, 'natural' doesn't always mean 'safe'.

• Take butterbur pills. A scientific study suggests this supplement may reduce inflammation and work similarly to antihistamines. Bromelain may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Inhale steam infused with eucalyptus oil. The strong aroma of eucalyptus oil can help clear the sinuses, but do not ingest or apply it to your skin as the oil is toxic.
• Use a saline nasal spray to relieve congestion. The saline solution helps reduce inflammation and alleviate a runny nose.

Take oral antihistamines to treat common symptoms. Antihistamines can alleviate symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, tearing, hives, and swelling. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, so avoid using them while driving. Common antihistamines include:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Desloratadine (Clarinex)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Use nasal spray antihistamines. Nasal spray antihistamines help reduce sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, itchy nose, and a runny nose. These medications are available by prescription:

• Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro)
• Olopatadine (Patanase)

Sử dụng thuốc nhỏ mắt kháng histamine để giảm ngứa, đỏ hoặc sưng mắt. Bảo quản thuốc trong tủ lạnh để thuốc khỏi gây xót mắt.

• Azelastine (Optivar)
• Emedastine (Emadine)
• Ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor)
• Olopatadine (Pataday, Patanol)
• Pheniramine (Visine-A, Opcon-A)

Sử dụng thuốc ổn định dưỡng bào để thay thế cho thuốc kháng histamine. Nếu bạn không thể chịu được thuốc kháng histamine thì thuốc ổn định dưỡng bào có thể mang lại hiệu quả. Loại thuốc này giúp ngăn cơ thể giải phóng các hóa chất gây phản ứng dị ứng.

• Cromolyn là thuốc xịt mũi không kê đơn.
• Các loại thuốc nhỏ mắt kê đơn bao gồm: cromolyn (Crolom), lodoxamide (Alomide), pemirolast (Alamast), nedocromil (Alocril).

Giảm nghẹt mũi và tắc nghẽn xoang bằng cách uống thuốc thông mũi. Những loại thuốc này không cần kê đơn. Một số loại còn có đặc tính kháng histamine.

• Cetirizine và pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)
• Desloratadine và pseudoephedrine (Clarinex-D)
• Fexofenadine và pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
• Loratadine và pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D)

Giảm triệu chứng tức thời bằng thuốc thông mũi dạng nhỏ và dạng xịt. Tuy nhiên, bạn không được sử dụng các loại thuốc này quá 3 ngày để tránh khiến tình trạng nghẹt mũi thêm trầm trọng.

• Oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan)
• Tetrahydrozoline (Tyzine)

Giảm viêm bằng thuốc xịt mũi corticosteroid. Loại thuốc này có thể giúp giảm triệu chứng nghẹt mũi, nhảy mũi và sổ mũi.

• Budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua)
• Fluticasone furoate (Veramyst)
• Fluticasone propionate (Flonase)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)
• Triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour)

Try using corticosteroid eye drops if other medications aren't effective. These medications can help alleviate eye itching, redness, or watering. However, you need to be closely monitored by your doctor when using them, as they may increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections, and other issues.

• Fluorometholone (Flarex, FML)
• Loteprednol (Alrex, Lotemax)
• Prednisolone (Omnipred, Pred Forte)
• Rimexolone (Vexol)

Use oral corticosteroids for severe allergies. However, these should not be used long-term to avoid serious side effects. They can lead to cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, ulcers, increased blood sugar, stunted growth in children, and exacerbate high blood pressure.

• Prednisolone (Flo-Pred, Prelone)
• Prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos)

Take leukotriene receptor antagonists. This medication can neutralize leukotrienes, which the body produces during an allergic reaction. It also helps reduce inflammation.

Consider immunotherapy. This therapy, also known as desensitization therapy, is typically used when medications are ineffective and when it's unavoidable to be exposed to allergens.

• Your doctor will expose you to the allergen to reduce your body's reaction. The dosage will gradually increase until you become sufficiently tolerant to the allergen.
• Allergens are usually injected under the skin, but if the allergen is pollen or grass, you may be given a sublingual tablet.
• This method is carried out under the supervision of a doctor and may take several years to complete.

Prevent allergens from accumulating in your home. Allergies can be triggered by various particles in indoor air, such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen that enters from outside.

• Vacuum regularly. Using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will help reduce airborne allergens.
• Minimize the number of carpets in the house. Unlike hard floors, carpets can trap allergens and pet dander, making it more difficult to eliminate them completely.
• Wash your bedding frequently. Typically, people spend about one-third of their day sleeping on their bed. If allergens are present on your bedding, you are exposed to them for an extended period. Consider using plastic mattress covers to prevent allergens from accumulating on your bed.
• Wash your hair before going to bed to remove any lingering pollen.
• If you are allergic to a particular type of pollen, stay indoors as much as possible during the peak blooming season. Close windows to prevent pollen from entering the house.

Prevent mold growth. This method helps reduce the number of spores in the air.

• Keep your home dry and well-ventilated by using fans and dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
• Repair any leaks in the home, such as dripping faucets or roof leaks, to prevent water from seeping into walls and causing dampness.
• Use bleach solutions to eliminate mold.

Avoid eating foods you are allergic to. If you have allergies to common ingredients like eggs or wheat, make sure to check the ingredient list on food packaging.

• If you are allergic to several foods, print a list to show restaurant staff. They can instruct the chef to avoid cooking those ingredients.
• You can also bring homemade food to ensure you know exactly what you are consuming.

Hire professional services to remove bees or beehives near, inside, or on your house. If you have a severe allergy to bee stings, it's best to stay elsewhere while the staff works to clear the hive.

• Be sure to clean out bee hives every few years.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking any medication for your condition.
• Read the usage instructions and consult your doctor to determine if you can safely take the medication while driving.
• For children and pregnant women, it's important to consult a doctor before using any medication.
• If you are taking other medications, consult your doctor about potential drug interactions. Herbal remedies and dietary supplements can also cause interactions with medications.