Allergies are a common occurrence these days and affect billions of people across the globe. They are very common, especially among children and teens. They occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as harmful and attacks it, causing illness. The illness manifests as a runny nose, swellings in the throat or eyes, and sneezing. Allergies are diagnosed by doing a blood test to confirm or rule out whether the person has it or not.
Common allergies are pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods like nuts, butter, and milk. There are many over-the-counter natural remedies for allergies, but no definite treatment for allergies works for everyone. Some people outgrow allergies, but some experience them their whole life, thus why it’s essential to know how to treat them. The best treatment options for allergies include the following.
1. Allergen avoidance
Many say prevention is better than cure. Identifying the source of allergies is important. This is because it helps the person avoid the allergen in the first place. Always visit a doctor or medical expert to confirm whether you have any allergies, especially after experiencing an allergic reaction. This is important as it helps you identify the allergen and get advice on how to avoid it. Also, when visiting someone who has complained of an allergy, ensure you don’t bring any allergic triggers into their home or leave any traces on your clothes.
2. Immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the person to increasing amounts of the allergen over time. It is given in the form of injections or pills. This treatment helps the immune system tolerate the allergen, thus reducing the allergic reaction. The increased exposure to allergens helps the immune system become less vulnerable. It’s important to follow the treatment plan that your doctor prescribed for you. A doctor will check on you and tweak your treatment plan when necessary.
3. Hypoallergenic products
Although it’s impossible to make certain substances completely hypoallergenic, many products on the market contain less of a substance that you’re allergic to than others. For example, gluten and nuts can be avoided by consuming gluten-free or nut-free products, which contain less of the allergen than the standard product. Companies may also offer hypoallergenic cosmetics and household cleaning products that help reduce contact with allergens.
4. Emergency epinephrine
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. These severe reactions are best treated using epinephrine. It constricts blood vessels in the skin, muscles, and airways, reducing swelling. It also stimulates the heart and boosts oxygen delivery to the brain. Epinephrine is available during an emergency in both injection and aerosol form. The injectable version is administered using an EpiPen.
5. Medications
Your doctor may prescribe certain medications that can help reduce an allergic reaction’s severity. These medications are mostly in the form of pills, nasal sprays, or eye drops. A doctor must prescribe them before use. They work by blocking antibody production, which reduces the severity of an allergic reaction.
Allergies can be treated using many different remedies. There is no known cure for allergies, but there are drugs and treatments that help reduce the severity of an allergic reaction. Allergies can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to know how to treat them and understand the best treatment options.
