What Are The Treatments For Anaphylactic Shock
When dealing with anaphylactic shock, simply taking an antihistamine drug is not an effective treatment.
The most common and effective treatment for anaphylaxis is an Epinephrine shot which should be given the moment a person experiences symptoms of this condition. It is also important for people whove had anaphylactic shock to carry at least two doses of Epinephrine with them at all times to avoid life-threatening situations from a severe allergic reaction.
What Is Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip occurs when mucus from your sinuses drips down to the back of your throat. When mucus trickles down the back of your throat, it causes your throat to feel irritated. You may feel the need to constantly clear your throat, but not feel relief when you do so. It is likely that you also experience a constant cough and sore throat. Postnasal drip is a common diagnosis, and common amongst those with allergic asthma.1,2
What Are The Symptoms Of Anaphylactic Shock
People with severe allergic reaction to dogs may experience these symptoms. This condition is dangerous and its symptoms should not be ignored. The most common symptoms include:
- Skin reactions such as hives, flushed skin, or paleness
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure
- Runny nose and sneezing
Most people who have allergies and are at risk of anaphylactic shock are aware of their situation, so they take the necessary precautions.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Fall Allergies
- Watery, itchy, or generally irritated eyes
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Aggravated asthma symptoms, including coughing or wheezing
- In severe cases, trouble breathing or anaphylaxis
Its important to note that fall allergy symptoms overlap with the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. One distinguishing factor for allergies: They do not cause a fever.
How Are Fall Allergies Diagnosed
Your doctor can help find out whatâs causing your watery, itchy eyes and runny nose. They’ll talk to you about your medical history and symptoms, andÂ;may recommend a skin test.
If they do, theyâll place a tiny amount of the allergen on your skin — usually on your back or forearm — and then prick or scratch the skin underneath. If you’re allergic to it, youâll get a small, raised bump that itches like a mosquito bite.
Sometimes a blood test may also be used to figure out a cause.
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You’ve Got All The Typical Symptoms
If you think of sneezing, wheezing and watery eyes when you think of seasonal allergies, you’d be on the right track. There’s a good chance you have seasonal allergies if you experience any of the following symptoms:;
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy throat;
- Puffy eyelids
Most seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. If you have winter allergies, you’re probably allergic to an indoor allergen like dust mites.
Postnasal Drip And Asthma
Experiencing postnasal drip may worsen your asthma symptoms. It could potentially exacerbate your already existing asthma cough or wheeze. However, there is no evidence that suggests that postnasal drip causes asthma. It is a symptom that is commonly associated with asthma. As mentioned before, if you have allergic asthma, it is likely that you have experienced mucus dripping since this symptom is also closely linked to allergies.1,2
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When Allergies Typically Develop
Most people remember first getting allergy symptoms at a young age about 1 in 5 kids have some kind of allergy or asthma.
Many people outgrow their allergies by their 20s and 30s, as they become tolerant to their allergens, especially food allergens such as milk, eggs, and grains.
But its possible to develop an allergy at any point in your life. You may even become allergic to something that you had no allergy to before.
It isnt clear why some allergies develop in adulthood, especially by ones 20s or 30s.
Lets get into how and why you can develop an allergy later in life, how you can treat a new allergy, and whether you can expect a new allergy or an existing one to go away with time.
Can Allergies Go Away With Time
The short answer is yes.
Even if you develop allergies as an adult, you may notice they start to fade again when you reach your 50s and beyond.
This is because your immune function is reduced as you get older, so the immune response to allergens also becomes less severe.
Some allergies you have as a child may also go away when youre a teen and well into your adulthood, perhaps making only a few appearances throughout your life until they disappear permanently.
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How Are Fall Allergies Treated
If autumn hits and youre constantly sneezing or dealing with itchy eyes, its likely that youre allergic to something in the air. Allergies dont have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treatment, but the AAFA says there are several over-the-counter options you can try to keep your symptoms at bay:
Nasal corticosteroids or decongestants both work to minimize nasal swelling, which causes a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose. Just note that you should limit decongestant use to a day or two, otherwise your symptoms may get worse. Try NasalCrom Nasal Allergy Symptom Controller.
Corticosteroid creams and ointments help treat itchy rashes and keeps them from getting worse. Try Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength. See your doctor if you dont see improvement within a week.
Antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers come in variety of forms, like tablets, liquids, and nose sprays. Because they block the release of histamine, you should see an improvement in common symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and hives. Try Claritin 24 Hour Non-Drowsy Allergy RediTabs.
Be sure to discuss these treatments with your allergist, who may also recommend allergy shots, prescription-strength meds, or carrying an EpiPen if your symptoms become severe.
Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic
Immunotherapy May Provide Relief
If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, there are options for treatment. Many of them are available over the counter.
- Nasal corticosteroids These nasal sprays treat nasal inflammation, reduce symptoms and congestion, and block allergic reactions. They are the most effective for nasal symptoms and have few side effects.
- Antihistamines They work by reducing your runny nose, sneezing, and itching in your eyes and sinuses. Choose non-drowsy options.
- Leukotriene inhibitors This medicine blocks chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction.
- Cromolyn sodium This nasal spray blocks chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, like histamine and leukotrienes.
If over-the-counter allergy medicine doesnt relieve your allergy symptoms, talk to a board-certified allergist about other treatment options. It is especially important for you to seek treatment if you have allergic asthma and ragweed pollen is a trigger for you.
Many people benefit from immunotherapy. This can come in the form of allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy .
With allergy shots, your doctor gives you injections of allergens in an increasing dose over time. You gradually become less sensitive to that allergen.
With SLIT, you take a small dose of an allergen under your tongue. You also gradually become less sensitive to that allergen. Currently, SLIT is available for ragweed and dust mite allergies.
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Treatment And Defense Against Mold And Spore Allergies
This is another case where taking precautions can really help limit your and your familys exposure to mold.
First and foremost, clean up all dead and decaying plant material from around your house, rake up those leaves, get rid of rotting wood, clear your gutters of debris, and clean up compost and garden beds.
Inside your house, consider investing in a good dehumidifier. Do your best to keep humidity levels lowbelow 50 percent is ideal within your house. In your garage and attic, make sure boxes arent damp and ensure insulation hasnt gotten wet from the heavy rains weve been experiencing. Attics and garages can be a major incubator where mold can grow.
If allergy symptoms hit, make sure to visit your allergist. Mold is a potent asthma trigger and youll want to have your inhalers ready and have your allergy and asthma management plan in place. If youve only recently developed allergies, your allergy specialist can test for your specific allergies to pollens and molds, which will help determine if you should start allergy shots. Immunotherapy is a proven method for controlling fall allergies.
How Can You Treat Allergy Symptoms
If you find yourself constantly dealing with a coughing, sneezing or other allergy symptoms each year around the same time, it’s wise to see an allergist. While the treatment options for seasonal allergy symptoms vary, the first line of defense is usually an antihistamine, says Dr. Purcell. Doctors typically advise trying a non-sedating, over the counter antihistamine, such as Zyrtec or Allegra at first. Additionally, nasal sprays like Flonase, are used to treat allergies .
If over-the-counter medications dont work well enough for you, allergy shots are another option, says Dr. Purcell. But there’s one pretty big downside: These allergy shots are to be administered over the course of a few years, so you can gradually build up immunity to your specific allergen. Because these allergy shots are so time-consuming, most allergists recommend them as treatment only when your allergies are so bad that they disrupt your daily routine, like causing you to miss work or school.
Overall, if you’re used to your seasonal allergy symptoms and have a treatment plan that makes you feel best nailed down, stick to that . But if you’re noticing new symptomsespecially ones that seemed to crop up this yearcheck in with your doctor to determine if you are in fact suffering from allergies or if something more serious could be going on.
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Why Do You Experience It
Postnasal drip frequently occurs when you are exposed to an allergen, such as pollen, dander, dust, etc. If there are potential triggers in the air, like air pollution, harsh cleaners, or strong perfumes, this could trigger it. Certain weather, like cold, dry winter air, can also be a cause. Sinus infections and viral infections are also culprits.1,2
How Can I Treat My Allergies
There are many medications you can use:
Steroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation in your nose.
Antihistamines help stop sneezing, sniffling, and itching.
help relieve stuffiness and dry up the mucus inÂ;your nose.
Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or oral tablets or drops can also help you feel better.
You can buy some allergy medications without a prescription, but talk to your doctor to make sure you get the right one. nasal sprays, for example, should only be used for 3 days. If you use them longer, you may actually get more congested. And if you have high blood pressure, some allergy drugs may not be right for you.
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Allergic Rhinitis Treatment And Medication
Once you have determined if you have allergic rhinitis, the best approach of managing it is to avoid the allergens that trigger them. However, if your symptoms cant be well-controlled by avoiding triggers, then your allergy doctor or allergist may recommend medications. Here are some of the allergic rhinitis medication you might use:
- Nasal Corticosteroids These are nasal sprays that help prevent and treat nasal inflammation, nasal itching, and runny nose. Nasal corticosteroids are often the first type of medication prescribed. They are safe and used for long-term treatment for hay fever.
- Leukotriene modifier These medicines work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. It helps keep the airways to your lungs from constricting.
- Antihistamines These medications are usually in pills. However, there are some that are in the forms of nasal sprays and eyedrops. Antihistamines can help with the itching, sneezing, and runny nose. They work by blocking a chemical released by our immune system when an allergic reaction occurs.
- These are over-the-counter medications that are given in liquids, tablets, and nasal sprays. You can use these medicines can help treat a stuffy or runny nose. They may have side effects so consult your doctor before taking them.
Tidy Up Pet Dander & Fur
Pet dander is comprised of dead skin that is shed by animals in the home. Up to 40 percent of people with seasonal allergies also have pet allergies. Pet allergies are triggered by an extra-sensitive immune system reacting to dander, fur, saliva, or urine from pets.
Some dog breeds cause more reactions than others. Saint Bernards and bulldogs are among the worst offenders. Cats are twice as likely as dogs to cause allergic reactions in people.
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Treatment And Defense Against Ragweed Allergies
The best defense is a good offense.
With proper weed control, you can get rid of the ragweed around your home. Remove any ragweed plants you find around your property and have your yard treated to kill weeds and control the pollen release near your home.
Also do not wait to contact;your allergy specialist to plan your allergy treatments. Allergy immunotherapy treatment involves administering small doses of an allergen to get your body used to it and induce long-term tolerance of the allergen.
You Don’t Have These Symptoms
Colds and allergies share many of the same symptoms, so it can be tough to tell which one you’re going through. Because they share symptoms — such as coughing and congestion — it’s helpful to consider the symptoms that these two conditions don’t share.;
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, there’s a good chance you have a cold:
- Fatigue
- Severe headache
- Sore throat
Another way to tell the difference between a cold and allergies is the duration of your symptoms. Colds usually go away on their own in seven to 10 days, whereas allergies persist until they’re treated or until the trigger is gone — which can take months depending on what you are allergic to.
If you know you’re allergic to pollen, you can try an app like Zyrtec AllergyCast to check the pollen counts and see if it’s a good idea to go outside.;
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Ragweed Pollen Can Travel Hundreds Of Miles
Ragweed pollen is very light, making it easy for the wind to carry it for miles. In fact, it has been found in the ocean as far as 400 miles away from the coast and two miles up in the air.
Dont let ragweed follow you around. Cover your hair when you go outside or wash it at night to remove pollen. Also have everyone who enters your home leave their shoes at the door.
What Are Fall Allergy Symptoms
Fall allergy symptoms are not much different than what you would expect at other times of year. Most people refer to their symptoms as hay fever, while doctors refer to it as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Whatever you call it, symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery, and stinging eyes.
- Coughing and wheezing, potentially leading to asthma for sufferers.
- Scratchy throats and excessive saliva
- Upset stomach
- Life-threatening asthma attacks in extreme cases.
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Pollen Can Trigger Asthma
Pollen can directly trigger asthma and allergic rhinitis. Small particles of allergens can penetrate deep into the airways of the lung. Thunderstorms can also contribute to this:
- When pollen granules come into contact with water, starch granules are released that are small enough to be breathed into the airways, causing allergic rhinitis and asthma in some people
- People who wheeze during spring and/or summer, should see their doctor for advice.
Pollen seasons can last for months
In Australia pollen numbers are lower on the east coast where most winds come from the sea, and where there is protection from westerly winds by the Great Dividing Range. Pollen numbers are higher on the Victorian south coast because most winds are from the north carrying pollen from the northerly grasslands. In South Australia and Western Australia, the amount of pollen can vary according to the wind.
Pollination times vary with the plant variety and its location.
The principal grasses growing in the northern coastal areas are subtropical and mainly flower in January, February and March. Allergenic grasses in the southern part of Australia are mostly Northern hemisphere grasses, with the main flowering period from October to December.
Diagnosis is important
Battle Of The Seasons: Spring Vs Fall Allergies
Which season is more problematic for allergy sufferers? That depends on what youre allergic to. Whether its tree pollen in the spring or ragweed in the fallwe want to know which allergy season affects you most. Vote for your worst allergy season and read on for a closer look at which seasonal allergens are to blame.
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How To Avoid Mould
If you want to cut your exposure to mould outdoors in the autumn avoid lingering by cut grass, fallen leaves, compost heaps and woodland walks.
‘Stay away from the countryside during harvest time and avoid cutting and raking grass,’ advises Amena.
‘If you want to reduce your mould exposure indoors concentrate on improving ventilation in your home especially damp and steamy rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen, advises Amena.’ Clean your fridge regularly to avoid a build-up of mould.
‘Don’t dry damp washing indoors on radiators, consider putting in ventilation fans and air bricks and open the windows. Also be aware that houseplants can harbour mould on the top layer of compost – so change it regularly.’
Other anti-mould measures include keeping wardrobe doors ajar to ventilate clothes, cleaning mould from the inside of window frames and avoiding using bottled gas heaters which create a lot of condensation.
‘You can also buy anti-mould cleaning products to target problems areas such as bathrooms,’ says Amena.
