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Three Ways to Control Allergies

Three Ways to Control Allergies

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Three Ways to Control Allergies

Do fall allergies seem to interfere with your life every year? If so, you are not alone. As many as 50 million people in the US alone suffer from some sort of nasal allergies every year. Allergies are the country's sixth leading causing of chronic illness. Luckily, modern science offers a wide range of ways to control allergies and allow you to feel better. Treatments fall into a few different categories:

Non-medical Remedies

If you prefer to avoid medications, you have a few options you can try first to treat your allergy symptoms. The most effective of these is finding your allergy triggers and avoiding them. For instance, if you are allergic to pollen, staying inside on high pollen count days can help you avoid allergy reactions. Many people are also able to help reduce exposure to allergens by changing their clothes as soon as they come home and by using HEPA filters on their home's air conditioners and vacuums. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation tools can help with allergy symptoms, as well. First, these can help wash allergens out of your sinuses, reducing your exposure. Second, the saline solution used with these remedies can draw out fluids that cause inflammation. This, in turn, provides relief from congestion and reduces the likelihood of complications like a sinus infection.

Allergy Medicine

There are a number of over the counter and prescription medications that can help control allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can stop allergic reactions from happening, which helps you avoid allergy symptoms. You can also treat allergy symptoms like congestion with the help of decongestants, or treat sinus pain with NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Long-Term Allergy Treatment

Do you suffer from allergy symptoms frequently? Do your allergies often lead to complications like sinus infections? Do you dislike the idea of taking medications on a frequent basis? You may wish to consider long-term options that can both reduce allergy symptoms and cut your reliance on medications.Allergy shots and drops are a type of immunotherapy that can reduce your sensitivity to various allergens. They work through the application of tiny amounts of your allergy triggers. Over time, your body reacts less strongly to these allergens, or, not at all. While it can take three to five years to find complete relief, many people experience a reduction in allergy symptoms within the first year of treatment.Sometimes, people's allergy symptoms are related to problems with their sinuses. Many people have sinus passages that are blocked or too narrow to allow fluids to move smoothly. People with these sorts of issues are more likely to suffer from painful sinus headaches and sinus congestion during allergy season. They are also more likely to develop sinus infections. For these individuals, treatments like balloon sinuplasty can help.No one treatment option is a good fit for everyone. What works for you will depend on the cause of your allergies, the severity of your symptoms and other factors.Are seasonal allergies causing you misery? We can help you breathe better. Get in touch today and book an appointment.