Top Five Ways to Fight Allergies
Every spring, millions of Americans continue to live with seasonal allergy symptoms, despite the fact that relief is available for the drippy nose, sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies to tree pollens and other sources. The following are the top five steps allergy sufferers should take in order to help relieve the onset of symptoms:
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Anticipate. Seasonal allergies happen at predictable times. If you first start having trouble every year during the second week of March, then be sure you have current refills and start taking your medications the first week of March. Seasonal allergies are easier to treat when caught early, before they get severe.
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Seek relief. Many people try to tough out the allergy season, leaving them miserable, decreasing their work productivity and affecting their general quality of life. Don't just put up with the symptoms. From medications to immunotherapy, relief is available.
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Limit side effects. Some medications may cause side effects such as sleepiness. If these side effects are intruding in your daily life, know that you don't have to put up with them. If you're having trouble, tell your doctor, who can find other treatments that have fewer side effects.
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Don't just self-treat. If you're self-treating with over-the-counter medications but not getting enough relief, see your doctor. With the proper medication, seasonal allergies can be controlled.
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Seek professional advice. Ask your doctor whether you should consult with a board-certified, trained allergist-immunologist. A specialist can help you find out exactly what you are allergic to (which will help predict when you might have trouble), and can work with your regular doctor to find a personalized medication strategy. Allergy shots are still the best hope for long-term relief of seasonal allergies.
Currently there is no cure for seasonal allergies, but by working with a medical professional to find the right medications and by staying on a medication regimen, it is possible to help prevent the misery of the allergy season.
