{"id":358,"date":"2020-06-15T16:22:58","date_gmt":"2020-06-15T21:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redriverent.fm1.dev\/allergy\/allergy-treatments\/"},"modified":"2020-11-09T17:43:11","modified_gmt":"2020-11-09T23:43:11","slug":"treatments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/redriverent.com\/allergy\/treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergy Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Allergies are a widespread condition that affects approximately one out of every five Americans. They occur throughout the year in all types of climates and can be triggered by pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, food, chemicals, medications and other environmental irritants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With so many possible causes, finding the source of your allergic response is crucial to treating the symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three types of allergy treatment available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The least invasive treatment method for allergies is avoiding the triggers responsible for your symptoms. If you are suffering from hay fever (allergies to pollen, pet dander and mold), there are a few simple things you can do to reduce these allergens in your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Keep doors and windows closed, especially on windy days and during pollen season, using air-conditioning when necessary.<\/li>
  • Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high; if you must go outside, wear sunglasses to keep pollen from your eyes. <\/li>
  • Encase your mattress and pillows in dust mite-proof cases. Wash all your bedding in hot water at least once a week. <\/li>
  • Remove carpeting from your home and replace with easy to clean material such as hardwood or linoleum. If the wall-to-wall carpeting cannot be removed, vacuum and shampoo the carpet regularly.<\/li>
  • Use only washable window coverings, such as cotton or synthetic curtains. <\/li>
  • During pollen season, keep your windows closed. <\/li>
  • Get rid of clutter; this means removing any knickknacks that sit on tables collecting dust.<\/li>
  • Invest in a HEPA air filtration system to remove small allergen particles from the air.<\/li>
  • Keep potted plants out of the house \u2013 either plant them outside or give them away.<\/li>
  • Avoid using a wood-burning fireplace or stove; the smoke will worsen respiratory allergies. <\/li>
  • Wash the sink regularly and don\u2019t let dishes pile up; this can create a breeding ground for mold.<\/li>
  • Wash or replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats.<\/li>
  • Nasal irrigation \u2013 rinsing the nasal passages with a saltwater solution, using a bulb syringe or Neti pot \u2013 can help reduce the symptoms of hay fever.<\/li>
  • Keep your house at 68 F to 72 F. Dust mites and mold breed best in hot humid conditions.  <\/li>
  • Don\u2019t allow smoking inside your home.<\/li>
  • Make sure to bathe pets once a week and keep them out of your bedroom and off the furniture.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Medications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Allergy symptoms can often be relieved through the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications and nasal sprays. Medical therapy provides short-term relief and may be enough of a solution for people with seasonal allergies or those whose symptoms are not severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If your symptoms do not improve with the use of medications, you should consult with an allergist over alternative treatments such as immunotherapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Do\nAntihistamines Help Allergies? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Antihistamines are often the go-to drug for treating allergy symptoms. They work by reducing or blocking histamines, chemicals produced by the immune system that are responsible for many common allergy symptoms including runny nose, stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They are available in tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea, though newer generation antihistamines have fewer side effects. Popular antihistamines include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n