Breathe Easy
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Seasonal allergies play a role in weakening your body's immune system
and increase your susceptibility to viruses. Whatever the cause of your
symptoms, the best treatment is to avoid contact with any substances that
cause an allergic reaction. This means identifying the source of your troubles
and avoiding them. Frequent hand-washing, a healthy diet, daily activity
and drinking plenty of water goes a long way toward the prevention of allergies.
Suggestions to help you avoid airborne allergies:
- Keep your windows and doors closed during peak pollen seasons
- Always change your clothing after being outside and exposed to pollen
- If dust mites cause a reaction, use special covers for your pillows and mattress
- Keep pets out of certain rooms of the house, especially your bedroom
- Consider hardwood floors since they don't accumulate as much dust as carpets and rugs
- Clean your house frequently — a clean house with minimal dust is a great start
- Always keep the air filter clean in your HVAC system
- Wear a mask and gloves when using household cleaners
While minimizing contact is the best way to avoid a reaction, other allergy
treatments include medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots). There are
several medications on the market used to treat allergies. Even though these
medications may help control various symptoms, they will not cure a specific
allergy or reduce the likelihood of future reactions.
For those with potentially severe allergic conditions, epinephrine is a
fast-acting medication that can help with an anaphylactic reaction, which can
be life-threatening.
This self-administered injection comes in an easy-to-use container that is
similar in size and shape to a writing pen. It is available only by prescription
from your physician. These types of reactions usually require immediate medical
attention. You may want to consider wearing an ID bracelet that states your
allergic condition and contact information in case of an emergency.
Because several allergies cannot be avoided, especially airborne varieties,
immunotherapy (allergy shots) is at times the best option. Immunotherapy is
only prescribed for people with specific allergies and does not help with food
allergies.
Remember, the best treatment for food allergies is avoidance. Immunotherapy
allows your body to slowly develop antibodies that help block future allergic
reactions. While the thought of routine allergy shots seems troubling to some,
they can be a highly effective treatment for certain allergies. While injections
do not cure the allergy, they do help increase the tolerance level when the body
is exposed to the agent that causes the allergic reactions. This can lead to fewer
reactions and milder symptoms. Consult with your health care provider if this type
of treatment option seems appropriate.
If an allergy weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to colds,
here are a few tips to protect yourself and others:
- Keep an instant hand sanitizer with you to kill germs
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Boost your immune system with vitamins
- To protect others, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
You don't have to suffer during allergy season. Through a healthy lifestyle
and proactive choices, it is possible to breathe easy.
For more information, please visit www.speakingofwomenshealth.com
