Over 50 million Americans have some kind of allergy, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you have allergies, your immune system produces antibodies when it believes that a foreign substance--such as mold or pet dander--will harm your body, even if the substance isn't actually dangerous, according to the Mayo Clinic. In response, your body releases histamines and other substances that cause allergy symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, rash, labored breathing and upset stomach. Although allergies can't be cured, you can get rid of some symptoms and reduce chances of future suffering.
Step 1
Ask your doctor about allergy testing. She may refer you to an allergist, who can ask you about your symptoms, discuss family medical history and give you skin or blood tests to assess your body's reaction, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Step 2
Keep an allergy journal. Track your activities and make a note of when your symptoms seem to appear or worsen, suggests the Mayo Clinic. You may notice, for example, that you have more allergy symptoms when you are under stress. Also include notes on what, if any, methods help reduce your symptoms. Your notes will help you and your allergist determine your triggers and give you a better idea of how to treat your symptoms. Most of the time, you'll need to take extra steps to avoid your triggers--for example, by not getting a cat or petting cats if you're allergic to cat dander--in order to successfully reduce your symptoms.
Step 3
Clean your home regularly to avoid exposure to household allergens. You can easily avoid some allergens, such as cat dander, but you may need to work constantly to avoid other allergens. Many potential allergens surround you on a regular basis because they live in your house. But by frequently washing your bedding, keeping the humidity levels low in your home, regularly dusting and consistently vacuuming with a fine filter, you reduce your exposure levels, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Take an allergy medication. The medication you need will depend on your allergy and your symptoms. For example, your doctor may recommend that you take an oral antihistamine, but he may also recommend eye drops or nasal sprays. Some allergy medications come over-the-counter in low doses. You will need a prescription for a more potent medication, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about allergy shots. If you have severe allergies or if your allergies aren't kept under control by another treatment, your doctor may recommend that you take allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, allergy shots, which are typically given over a span of a few years, are injections of purified allergen extracts.
Step 6
Treat the allergic reaction if it happens despite your best efforts. Nasal irrigation with a neti pot or bulb syringe, for example, can quickly flush out mucus and irritants from your nose, says the Mayo Clinic. You may also remedy a mild insect sting reaction by applying aloe vera or calendula to the bite.
Things You'll Need
- Journal and pen
- Household cleaner
- Vacuum with HEPA filter
- Laundry detergent
- Allergy medication
- Neti pot or bulb syringe
