|  | Conditions Treatments | Allergies

Allergy Recovery

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Seasonal allergies or hay fever affect the majority of those and typically hit hardest in the spring and fall. Seasonal allergies can come from trees, weeds, grasses and flowers. Other allergies are perennial and affect you year-round. These allergies include pet dander, dust and mold. Medications and do-it-yourself remedies can relieve the symptoms associated with most allergies.

  1. Allergy Symptoms

    • According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergy sufferers can experience sneezing, a runny nose, an itchy throat and eyes and even hives. More severe symptoms are wheezing and bronchial spasms. These symptoms can be at least irritating and uncomfortable to the allergy sufferer and in some cases are life-threatening.

    Self-Remedies

    • Take several steps to alleviate the symptoms associated with allergies or prevent those symptoms entirely. Avoiding allergens in the first place is the best way to prevent allergic reactions. To minimize your exposure to outdoor allergens such as pollen and grass, close your windows to prevent the pollen from coming into your home and keep your car windows closed while driving. Refrain from going outdoors and don't mow your lawn yourself during peak pollen season.

      According to the Mayo Clinic, even clean homes can harbor allergens like dust, mold and pet dander. To relive allergy symptoms from these allergens, establish a weekly cleaning schedule and routine and control the temperature in your home to minimize dust mites. Keep pets out of your bedroom and consider using an air purifier in your room. If possible, have someone else do the dusting and vacuuming. Dusting and vacuuming can stir up allergens in the fabrics into the air.

    Medications

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, allergy medications come in the form of pills, liquids, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and shots. Some medications are over-the-counter and others require a prescription. Corticosteroids, most of which are available by prescription only, prevent and treat inflammation by blocking allergic reactions. They can be ingested or inhaled.

      Antihistamines block histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction, and can also be ingested or inhaled. Antihistamines are available over the counter and include Claritin and Zyrtec. Decongestants like Sudafed are used primarily for quick relief of allergy symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion.

      Allergy shots may be a long-term option for those who suffer from persistent allergies and cannot find relief from other medications.

Allergies - Related Articles