Living With & Managing Allergies

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• QCan allergies be cured?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Allergies cannot be cured. But depending on what a person is allergic to, he or she can often find relief by avoiding the allergen, taking prescription or over-the-counter medications or getting allergy shots.

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• QWill moving alleviate my seasonal allergies?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Moving will not alleviate seasonal allergies. People who are allergic to pollen are often sensitive to other substances. Moving may relieve symptoms of one allergy, only to stimulate a reaction to another allergen, so moving is generally not recommended.

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• QWhat questions should I ask my healthcare provider about my allergies?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Following are some questions to ask your healthcare provider about your allergies:

  1. Could an underlying medical condition cause my allergic symptoms?
  2. Do I have any medical conditions that might limit my use of over-the-counter medications?
  3. What are the side effects of the medications or treatments you're recommending? Will they interact with any other medications I'm taking?
  4. How will you monitor my treatment? How long will it take to work?
  5. Is my condition potentially dangerous? When should I seek professional medical care after an allergic reaction?
  6. Where are some of the unexpected places I might encounter the substance I'm allergic to?
  7. Should I be tested for allergy shots?

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• QWhat are some lifestyle factors that can make my allergy symptoms worse?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Here are five lifestyle factors that you may not be aware of that can make allergy symptoms, like sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes, worse.

  1. Bringing fruits, vegetables and household plants home. Fruits and veggies are thought of as being good for you, but considering that pollen and other plant-derived allergens are what cause seasonal allergies, it makes sense that bringing plants, ferns and flowers into your house could aggravate your sinuses. When it comes to household plants, ficus, yucca, ivy, palm, orchids and ferns are the most common causes of flare-ups.
  2. Not following doctor's orders. If you've been prescribed a medication for severe allergies, it's best to take it exactly as your doctor directs. Putting off starting your medication until late in the season when symptoms are in full swing or switching drugs or doses on your own may not produce the results you need, not to mention inadvertently putting more chemicals in your system than necessary.
  3. Having that evening cocktail. This is one trigger that you may not want to hear about, but drinks like beer and wine contain bacteria and yeast, microorganisms that produce histamines, which are known allergy triggers. Studies have shown that wine has the most profound effect, especially in women. Red wine has 20 percent to 200 percent more histamines than white wine. Further, pickled or yeast-containing foods, like cheese, bread or cider, can have a similar effect on allergy symptoms.
  4. Washing your laundry in cold water. Doing all of your laundry in cold water may leave behind dust mites or other allergens in your sheets, clothes and towels. You don’t have to do the entire wash on the hot cycle, but it may be best for items like bedding that tend to collect particles or for times when your allergy symptoms are at their worst. If you don't want to set your water temperature as high as 130°F, which kills dust mite eggs, you may alternatively use the hottest dryer setting.
  5. Hanging out with smokers. While cigarettes are a known trigger for people with sensitive sinuses or respiratory issues, you may also want to avoid hanging out very long with the people who smoke them. The harmful particles in tobacco smoke tend to stick to hair and clothing—hence the ever-present odor that smokers tend to carry—where they can be breathed in by you.

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• QCan I take allergy medications during pregnancy and breast-feeding?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Whether you can take allergy medications during pregnancy and breast-feeding is between you and your healthcare provider and should be thoroughly discussed with him or her, preferably prior to getting pregnant. Generally, during the first trimester, when the fetal organs and tissues are being formed, healthcare providers worry about the potential effects of medications. However, after the first trimester, most medications that might be considered safe for a young child should be safe for you to take. Generally, this includes topical nasal steroids, such as budesonide (Rhinocort AQ) and some antihistamines, such as loratadine. In addition, decongestants like pseudoephedrine are generally considered safe during the second and third trimesters, but do not use decongestants in the first trimester. Careful use of decongestant nasal sprays should also be fine. Watch out, however, for traditional sedating antihistamines that can cause drowsiness in the fetus. And make sure you check with your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medication during pregnancy. This advice also holds true during the breast-feeding period.
• QWhat should I do if I have an allergy?

  1 Answer

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  Allergies usually can't be cured, though some children outgrow them. There are things you can do to avoid or treat the symptoms. If you think you have an allergy, do these things:
  
  Visit your doctor or clinic. A doctor can help you know if you have an allergy. A doctor can also tell you how to ease symptoms. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe medicine or allergy shots.
  
  Stay away from things you are allergic to. This can ease your symptoms. Here are some ideas:
  

  • Pollen. Shower or bathe every night to wash off pollen. Avoid going outside on dry, windy days. Keep your windows and doors shut. Keep your lawn cut short. Change your furnace filters monthly.
  • Mold. If you have a mold problem in your house, remove whatever is moldy. Get rid of your swamp cooler or houseplants. Replace moldy drywall. Always use a cleaner with bleach to clean moist areas like the bathroom.
  • Dust mites. Get rid of your swamp cooler if you have one. Wash all bedding in very hot water once a week or more. Wipe down furniture with a damp cloth twice a month. Put filters over heat vents.
  • Animals. Don't stay in a house with a pet you are allergic to. If the pet is yours, keep it out of the bedroom. If your allergies are very bad, find another home for your pet. Some types of dogs, cats, and other animals shed fewer allergens. If you must have a pet, ask about those types.
  • Medicine. If your doctor has prescribed medicine, take it as directed. Many helpful medicines don't need a doctor's prescription. You can buy them at a pharmacy or grocery store. Look for medicines that say "antihistamine." Some newer types of antihistamines don't make you sleepy and may be better to use. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose.
  • Nose sprays or eyedrops. Sometimes your doctor may suggest nose sprays or eyedrops to help your symptoms. Follow your doctor's directions for how to use these safely.
• QWhat are some tips for dealing with allergies?

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  A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered

  Every spring, millions of Americans dread the trip to the park, the playground, or participating in any of the myriad outdoor activities that trigger outdoor allergy symptoms.
  
  This season can be especially trying for children who suffer from allergies, as they and their parents struggle to participate in outdoor activities without triggering the sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, or in some cases, asthma symptoms and hives that may occur.
  
  Grass and tree pollen, barbecue smoke, food allergies and even a typical bee sting can cause these reactions. Dr. Ronit Herzog, a pediatric allergy immunologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, offers the following strategies to help parents of allergy sufferers survive the winds of spring and summer:

  • Stay in an air-conditioned space. If you are allergic to pollen it is recommended to run the air conditioner as much as possible during the warm-weather months, because it can filter out large, airborne pollen particles. Remember to keep your windows closed and your air conditioner clean.
  • Cut back on morning activities. Pollen counts are usually highest in the early to mid-morning hours between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so minimizing early morning activities may help you get a jump start on a symptom-free day. Shower and shampoo after playing or working outside.
  • Avoid stinging insects. If you are allergic to bees you should avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, flower prints, or perfumes and lotions with flowery scents. Always wear shoes when walking in the grass, cover your body as much as possible when working outside, and don't forget to carry medication in case of an emergency.
  • Take medications. Eye drops, nose spray, and non-sedating antihistamine can relieve symptoms temporarily, and taking it an hour before exposure can decrease symptom severity.

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• QHow do I manage my allergies on a daily basis?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Allergies are most easily maintained by avoiding or limiting exposure to known allergens and triggers. If you're allergic to dust, keep your house as dust-free as possible by removing items that collect dust and vacuuming often. If you're allergic to mangos, avoid eating or handling mangos. You can manage symptoms by taking daily medications such as antihistamines.

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• QHow can drinking water help my seasonal allergies?

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  A Dr. Gerald P. Curatola, DDS , Dentist, answered

  Seasonal allergies are brutal on the body's ability to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water to flush your system and support the elimination of the foreign irritants in your system. Hydrating also thins out mucus and supports sinus drainage. Sinus congestion also leads to dry mouth and the decrease in the presence of protective saliva. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine as they are dehydrating. The goal is to drink 8 (6-8 oz) glasses of water per day.

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• QWhat do I need to know about caring for someone with allergies?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  When taking care of someone with allergies, know the basics of their reactions: what are they allergic to, what symptoms do they have, and what treatments are best. If possible, try to create an environment that is free of their particular allergen. In the case of severe allergies, you should also have an epinephrine syringe and know how and when to use it. For example, an epinephrine syringe should not be injected into a vein or the buttocks. After injection the person should get medical help right away; epinephrine helps stop the anaphalaxis but is not a substitute for medical care.