Allergy treatment have three general approaches. First – we have avoidance of allergen, Second – the use of medication to relieve the symptoms of allergy and Last – the use of allergy shots.

Definition of Allergies

Allergy is the abnormal reaction of the body to a substance that is ordinarily harmless. This sensitizing substance is called an Allergen. Allergens my be inhaled, swallowed or they may come into contact with skin.

The most common allergens that we have are house dust mites, animal danders,pollens, mold spores, foods, insect bites or stings, latex rubber, viruses, bacteria, medications and environmental conditions (such as changing temperature and humidity). Allergic reactions can be localized or occuring in one area, example is sneezing or skin rash. Allergic reactions may include other symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors of Allergies

The main cause of allergy is still unknown. Allergy tends to run in families and it is a trait that can be inherited. For example, an allergic person is more likey to produce allergic offsprings. It is also very likely for an allergic person to find relatives who are allergic too. Non-hereditary factors also play in the development of allergy For example, breast fed infants are less likely to develop allergies.

Avoidance

Avoidance of allergens is the easiest and cheapest allergy remedy you can have.

- You can wear a pollen or dust mask when you are in the garden or cleaning the hous.
- Stay indoors if it is windy or if it is morning, pollen count is highest in the morning.
- Always check the food labels and learn how to read it. ( helpful if you have food allergy ).
- Use an air conditioner wether you are in a car or in a room .
- Get rid of indoor plants and other things that may be a source of mildew.
- Do not allow animals which produce dander inside the house.
- Use synthetic materials in place of feather pillows, woolen blankets and clothing.
- Wash your bed sheets, mattress pads and blanket once a week in hot water.
- Use air filters and/or dehumidifiers.
- Use a chemical that kills house-dust mites .
- You can also make a room dust-proof.

Medications

When avoidance or control of an allergen isn’t possible, medications may be necessary. Common allergy medications are:

1. Decongestants: Decongestants are used for treating nasal congestion and other symptoms that are associated with the common cold and allergies. Decongestants makes the blood vessels narrow,which leads to the clearing of nasal congestions. Most decongestants can be bought over the counter while others are available only by prescription. The most common form of decongestant is liquid and tablet. However, there are decongestants sprays or drops that may be prescribed by your physician.

Some examples of spray decongestants are oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Vicks Sinex). There are other medications or brands that may be prescribed depending on your doctor or specialist.

Oral decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and others.

Steroid nasal sprays: administered by spray to taper down the inflammatory response. Medications include fluticonase (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasocort), and beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase).

2. Antihistamines: These are drugs that blocks the action of histamine. Histaminei is responsible for allergic symptoms. Anti-histamines can relieve or prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and other allergies. They come in tabliet, liquid, capsule and injection form. Non-prescription Anti-histamines include loratadine (Claritin) which does not cause drowsiness. Other over the counter anti-histamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Coricidin) and clemastine (Tavist)

Allergy Shots

Immunotherapy

When avoidance and medication are not effective to control the allergic symptoms, the doctor can suggest the use of allergy immunotherapy (“allergy shots”). This method requires the person to be injected with an “allergy extract” to desensitize his or her immune system. The allergy extract is made up of various mold spores, animal danders, dust mites, pollens and other substances in which the person is allergic. The allergy extract does not contain corticosteroiuds or antihistamines. Injection of the “allergy extract” is given 1 to 5 times a week with gradually increasing strength in dose. When the maximum dose of allergens is reached, maintenance injections are prescribed at increasing intervals until such time that the patient receives an injection once a month.

Allergy Treatment | dog allergy treatment | skin allergy treatment | cat allergy treatment

Health Links

Fish Oil- fish oil information website

Fish Oil Benefits – the benefits of using fish oil
Fish Oil Side Effects – side effects of using fish oil capsules and pills
Fish Oil Supplements – all about fish oil capsules and fish oil pills
Fish Oil Dosage – reccomended dosage of fish oil supplements
Fish Oil Pills – fish oil pill supplements
Fish Oil Capsules – fish oil capsule supplements
Melatonin – melatonin information site
Melatonin Side Effects – side effects of using melatonin
Melatonin For Sleep – melatonin supplements as sleep aid
Melatonin Dosage – recommended dosage of melatonin
Melatonin For Children – melatonin supplements for children
Melatonin Supplement – melatonin supplement facts
Melatonin Side Effects – side effects of using melatonin supplements
Best Fish Oil – best fish oil supplements
Biotin – biotin supplements information website
Biotin for Hair – biotin and its benefits on hair
Biotin Hair Growth – biotin for hair growth
Biotin Side Effects – side effects of using biotin supplements
Biotin Shampoo – commercial biotin shampoos
Biotin Vitamin – biotin vitamin information site