What is an allergy? An allergist would define it to be the abnormal reaction of a patient’s immune system when in contact with foreign substances. Normally, these foreign substances, also called allergens, are harmless and pose no threat to non-allergic people. But if you are allergic to a particular allergen, you body can react inappropriately when these substances are swallowed, inhaled and come into direct contact with the skin. Often times, allergies manifest in different ways including constant sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or having rashes or hives. The most common allergens include pollens, dust, molds, or animal fur. Even foods such as peanuts, eggs, milk, soy, wheat or even fruits can cause bad allergic reactions for some people. If you are experiencing allergies, it is best to see an allergist to know more on how to treat and prevent these allergic disorders.

Medications Prescribed by Allergists

When dealing with allergies, drug medications are helpful in decreasing the symptoms and restoring the health of the patient. Allergists commonly prescribe antihistamines to block the actions of histamine, which is responsible for triggering allergic symptoms. Decongestants are effective in clearing out the clogged sinuses. Steroids are also used to mute the inflammatory response. Other medications such as nasal sprays or eye drops are also helpful in relieving symptoms.

An important note to remember when using any drug medication, always follow the instructions of your allergist. These drugs, when not taken properly, can have adverse side effects on your body. So take your medications as prescribed and avoid self-medication. Monitor your condition while taking medication to see if it’s effective in relieving the symptoms.

Preventing Allergies According to an Allergist

If you are wary of taking in drugs because of possible side effects, completely avoiding the allergen is another way of controlling or preventing allergies. Here are some tips highly recommended by an allergist to prevent allergies. If you are allergic to pollens, stay indoors and keep windows closed especially during the windy and heavy pollination season. For those with food allergies, avoid eating foods that trigger allergic reactions. You might also want to check out food labels before eating them. If you are allergic to animal dander, avoid pets with fur or feathers such as cats, dogs and birds. But if you’re an animal lover, consider keeping your pets outside the house. It is also important to keep your house clean from dust and molds at all times.

Most of the time, it is impossible to completely avoid contact with these allergens. Because of this, allergists are also recommending another effective way of preventing allergies – allergen immunotherapy. This process begins by injecting the patient with large doses of an allergen with the purpose of inducing immunologic tolerance. While other forms of treatment merely suppress allergic symptoms, allergen immunotherapy treats the underlying cause of the disorder. Studies show that patients who underwent this treatment have reduced need for medication, lesser symptoms and lower sensitivity to allergens.

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