How To Deal With Bad Allergies

You Should See An Allergist If:

• Your seasonal allergy symptoms last for several months a year.
• Your allergies are causing other severe symptoms, such as sinus infections or difficulty breathing.
• Your allergy symptoms are having a negative effect on your quality of life.
• You are experiencing unpleasant side effects from over-the-counter allergy medications, such as drowsiness.

Visit your closest MyHealth Urgent Care in Troy, Birmingham, Southfield, Bloomfield Hills and Beverly Hills Michigan. Read more about allergies and how long seasonal allergies last.

Treating Severe Allergic Reactions

Some people with severe allergies may experience life-threatening reactions,;known as;anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.

If you’re at risk of this, you’ll be given special injectors containing a medicine called adrenaline to use in an emergency.

If you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, you should inject yourself in the outer thigh before seeking emergency medical help.

Ten Ways To Alleviate Seasonal Allergies Without Medication

By Getwell Urgent Care

When your immune system overreacts to an airborne substance that doesnt bother everyone around you, you have allergies. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and insect stings are the biggest culprits of seasonal allergies.

Increased pollen counts and higher temperatures across the globe are contributing to longer and more severe allergy seasons. This means many people whove never had an issue before are experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms for the first time. However, because these symptoms are so similar to the common cold, many just assume theyve caught a bug. If this sounds familiar, the best way to tell the difference between allergies and a cold is whether you have a fever. If youve been feeling unwell for 7 days or longer without a fever, you are probably suffering from seasonal allergies.

When you seek medical treatment for allergy symptoms, your doctor will typically prescribe medications or injections to help you feel better. But the good news is that there are a lot of things you can do at home to alleviate seasonal allergies without medication.

Read Also: How Common Is Milk Allergy

Ragweed Allergy Triggers Including The One Drink To Always Avoid

Almost one;third of people living with a ragweed allergy also;experience an allergic response to certain other foods, including cucumbers, melons, zucchini, sunflower seeds,;bananas;and/or chamomile tea.; Even echinacea can trigger a reaction.

Thats because the proteins found in some types of produce are very similar to the proteins found in certain types of pollen. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, these proteins can confuse the immune system and cause an allergic reaction or make existing symptoms worse, which is referred to as cross-reactivity. In the case of pollen and foods, the result of cross-reactivity is called oral allergy syndrome.

That may seem surprising, especially since these things usually fall under the;health food;category. Lets take a closer look at at herbal tea, in particular. Do you ever swap coffee with tea or pour a cup to unwind after a long day? Chamomile tea is a popular option, as its full of antioxidants, reduces inflammation and improves digestion.

But for people suffering from ragweed allergies, chamomile tea can be giving you something extra;;a slew of;symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, headaches and irritated eyes. Chamomile is good for a lot of things, but if youre living;with a ragweed allergy,;you should probably;avoid this drink.

And get this: If you dont have allergy symptoms already, chamomile tea can actually ;set them off. And if you are suffering, the tea can worsen symptoms.

Does Running Make Allergies Worse

No. But because youve warmed up your skin or exposed yourself for a longer time to the allergen, your symptoms might become more noticeable. I.e. my skin only starts itching during a long spring training run where I havent taken an allergy meds because Ive increased blood flow, my skin is warm and interacting with the allergen.

TIP: Ive tested a few of the over the counterbrands and the generics, and found that Allegra 24 is my go to for really knocking down the snot, itching and red eyes from seasonal allergies.

The one exception is if you have exercise induced asthma, which is not an allergy, but we often confuse it with one.

The difference is youll have it year round and to far more intense level that most runners notice issues with breathing from allergens. Then Id recommend checking in with your doctor for an inhaler as well.

Also Check: Is There Fever With Allergies

Tips On How To Feed Dogs To Deal With And Prevent Allergies

Allergies in dogs are more common than you may think, and should not be confused with food intolerance. Intolerance;is dealt with in a completely different way than allergies. Regardless, if your pooch seems to be having digestive issues or a reaction to his food, you need to take him in to see a veterinarian right away.

Food allergies in dogs are a result of your pups immune system overreacting to an invading ingredient contained in his dog food. Nearly all of the pet food your dog eats has ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction in the dog.

Common food allergens include:

• pork
• soy

As with people, most dogs will only be allergic to one ingredient, but some have reactions to multiple ingredients in their diet.

That’s why it is best to bring your dog in to the veterinarian if you suspect he has a food allergy. They can test to find the exact cause of the allergy and help guide you in beneficial ways to change Fido’s diet to cope with the allergy issue.

Tip #1: Make Sure Its Really Allergies

Before you can properly treat allergic rhinitis, its best to determine that your symptoms are actually a reaction to allergens. After all, your nasal congestion could be a sign of a cold or sinus infection. The symptoms for all three of these illnesses are similar, but there are some telltale differences that can help you pinpoint a correct diagnosis.

Colds and sinus infections often cause a runny nose with yellow or green discharge, whereas the mucus from allergies is clear and watery. Additionally, because a cold or sinus infection is caused by bacteria or a virus, youre likely to have a fever with these. With allergies, even a low-grade fever is uncommon. If youre experiencing sinus pressure, bad breath and achy teeth, you likely have a sinus infection.

The duration of your illness can also be a clue as to what you have. Colds and sinus infections typically last two days to two weeks; on the other hand, allergies can last anywhere from a couple days to a few months depending on how long youre exposed to an allergen.

Recommended Reading: How Can Chiropractic Help Allergies

Symptoms Of Allergies In Dogs

The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.

In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

• Itchiness
• Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
• Red, inflamed skin

Allergy Strategy 3: Obtain Good Treatment

Allergy treatment wonââ¬â¢t “cure” your allergies, but they can significantly reduce your allergy symptoms. Key treatments include antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines treat the runny nose and itchingeyes and nose. Decongestants reduce the stuffiness.

Prescription nasal steroid sprays also help, Williams says. Nasal steroid sprays prevent the release of substances that inflame mucus membranes, thus reducing your inflammation. “For these to be most effective they need to be used on a regular basis,” he says.

Another option, says Miller, is to use antihistamine nasal sprays; there are even some prescription-strength sprays approved to treat seasonal allergies.

The asthma prescription drug montelukast can also help allergy symptoms, Miller says.

Immunotherapy, better known as allergy shots, can help, too, he says. “Those are for people whose allergies are difficult to control , or people who don’t want to continue taking medication all their lives,” Miller says.

For some people, the medications may not work as well over time, Gupta says. “Patients often tell me the medications that worked last year don’t work this year.” Some patients can switch to another medication; other patients may consider immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy can also reduce the risk of developing asthma, Miller says. “It’s never too late to start.”

Read Also: Do Allergies Disqualify You From Military Service

Christina Ciaccio Md Msc

Christina Ciaccio, MD, MSc, provides compassionate care for children and adults with food and environmental allergies, allergic rhinitis, urticaria and angioedema, allergic rashes and asthma. She strongly believes in educating patients and their families, and involving them in the care process in a meaningful way.

Is There A Good Running With Allergies Mask

Instead of a mask, I recommend grabbing a Buff. I like this brand because you can find light ones for summer or heavier ones for cool spring mornings, super easy to wash and use again!

Then you can pull it up or down as needed, but yes if you have severe allergies to pollen, ragweed or trees then this can provide another filter before things enter your nose and lungs where it will cause irritation.

Recommended Reading: What Is In Mucinex Allergy

Tip #2: Avoid Extended Time Outdoors When Pollen Counts Are High

Chances are if the weather outside is rainy, cloudy or windless, your allergies wont act up as much. Only those with extreme sensitivity to pollen or mold will have symptoms when the pollen count is low. However, if the days warm, dry and windy, theres a good possibility youll be symptomatic.

To determine what the pollen and mold levels are in your geographic area, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunologys National Allergy BureauÔ provide an allergen guide with accurate pollen counts.

Since pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning, with peak times in the middle of the day, its best to venture out in the late afternoon or early evening. If youre planning on doing yard work, try wearing a mask. Those marked N95 are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as being 95% effective at filtering out particles.

Also, if youre planning on exercising outdoors, consider going after work and make sure to shower in the evening so your hair and skin are clean and youre not sleeping in pollen.

Embrace The Essential Oils Trend

I know these might seem like a total fad, but I think theres something to it, hence my recent purchase of a diffuser that I can turn on while I work post run and increased stock of a variety of oils.

According to studies the most beneficial are:

• lavender
• chamomile
• lemon

You could dab some on your wrist or just below your nose before running for a heavy effect or use the diffuser throughout the day to consistently open up your airways. Most are also good for just boosting total immunity.

Also Check: How Much Honey A Day To Help With Allergies

How Allergy Symptoms Start

The conception that antibodies, which should protect against disease, are also responsible for disease, sounds at first absurd.

Clemens von Pirquet

Scientists have learned a lot about allergies since Clemens von Pirquet first coined the term.

Defined as an abnormal adaptive immune response, allergic disorders occur when the body responds to a usually harmless substance with an increase in IgE attached to mast cells in the body and Type 1 T helper cells . Reactions such as constriction of the bronchial tubes, mucus secretion, and increased vascular permeability may occur within minutes.

If the exposure exceeds the bodys first immune response, this reaction begins to trigger further activation of leukocytes and Type 2 T helper cells . This is a stronger immune response the body mounts to things like parasites and physical invaders. This manifests in different ways depending on the persons genetics and where the body perceives the invasion. Symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• even anaphylaxis

What Medicines Can I Take For Allergies

Some people dont take allergy medicines because they dont think their symptoms are serious. They may say, Its only my allergies. This can result in painful problems such as sinus or ear infections. Dont take the risk. There are many safe prescription and over-the-counter medicines to relieve allergy symptoms. Here is a short list of allergy medicines:

• Nasal corticosteroids are nose sprays. They reduce swelling. Swelling causes a stuffy, runny and itchy nose. They are the most effective medicines for nasal allergies.

• Antihistamines block histamine, a trigger of allergic swelling. They can calm sneezing, itching, runny nose and hives. They come in pills, liquids, melting tablets or nose sprays. These treat seasonal and indoor allergies.;
• Mast cell stabilizers keep your body from releasing histamine. This can help with itchy, watery eyes or an itchy, runny nose. They are available as eye drops or nose sprays.;
• reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose. But be careful. Using these sprays more than three days in a row may cause the swelling and stuffiness in your nose to get worse. This can happen even after you;stop;using the medicine. This reaction is a rebound reaction.;;
• Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and stop the spread of rashes. See your doctor if your rash does not go away after using this cream for a week. Corticosteroids are;not;the same as anabolic steroids used illegally by some athletes to build muscles.

Read Also: How To Unblock Your Ears From Allergies

Should I Take Or Give My Child Over

The over-the-counter allergy medications are both safe and effective. Steroid nose sprays, such as Flonase, Rhinocort and Nasocort, may help your nose and eye symptoms even if you dont have allergies. 24-hour antihistamines, such as Claritin, Clarinex, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Xyzal, will also help but typically only if you have allergies. It is safe and considered effective to use a steroid nose spray and 24-hour antihistamine together.

Natural Ways To Reduce Ragweed Allergy Symptoms

There are lots of over-the-counter and prescription drug options to treat allergies, but many come with unpleasant side effects. Allergy shots are another option; in 2014, the Food and Drug Administration approved sublingual immunotherapy as a potential alternative to allergy shots with fewer side effects.

Still, many people find major seasonal allergy relief by making some other lifestyle changes first. Here are a few changes to start.

1. Drinks

So youre sniffling and bummed about the whole chamomile tea thing? Not to worry.;If youre jonesing for a cup of something warm, I recommend thisturmeric tea. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory one of the most effective in the world, in fact. Its also a natural painkiller, which can help alleviate those pesky allergy side effects without over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Hydration-wise, make sure you are drinking at 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to stay adequately hydrated.;Dehydration makes allergy symptoms even worse.

2. Food

Aside from;avoiding the trigger foods listed above that could make your ragweed allergy symptoms worst , opt for a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like;fresh, organic veggies and high-quality proteins, like wild-caught salmon and grass-fed beef. These are all;full of allergy-fighting minerals and vitamins.

3. Digestive Health

4. Household Toxins

Also Check: Can Food Allergies Make You Constipated

Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergies Include The Following:

• runny nose
• itchy eyes
• nasal congestion

Allergy season starts as early as February, which is when trees begin their pollination process. Grass pollination occurs in the spring and summer months.

In the fall, ragweed is the main culprit when it comes to allergy symptoms. Mold also occurs in the fall months, developing underneath damp piles of leaves.

What Are The Symptoms Of Spring Allergies

When you are allergic to pollen, your immune system sees it as a foreign substance. This causes your immune system to react. It can cause these symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Itching in the nose, eyes, or the roof of the mouth

If you have allergic asthma, you might also have asthma symptoms when pollen counts are high.

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How To Treat Seasonal Allergies And Get Relief Naturally

We dont suffer from many allergies anymore after our time on the GAPS diet, but I still occasionally get hit with an allergy attack from dust after cleaning though and my hubby occasionally reacts to grass or pollen.

These simple natural remedies have been very effective;for allergy relief in our family. Different people seem to benefit from different remedies depending on certain genetic factors and which allergens you are reacting to, so it might be worth trying more than one of these to see which works best for you.

Ill start with simple suggestions and work up to solutions for more serious allergy problems.

Treating Allergies On The Skin

For allergic reactions that cause skin symptoms, including those associated with allergens found in animal saliva, poisonous plants, drugs, chemicals and metals, additional treatment options include:

• Topical corticosteroid creams or tablets. Corticosteroids contain steroids that reduce inflammation and itching. Mild forms of these creams can be found online, and a doctor can prescribe stronger versions.
• Moisturizing creams. Emollient creams with soothing ingredients, such as calamine can treat skin reactions.
• Bite or sting medication. Medication targeted to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites or stings have a similar effect to other allergy medications.
• Ice pack. Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the area for 10- to 15-minute intervals can reduce inflammation.

Also Check: Can Food Allergies Cause Asthma Attack

Allergies And Sleep Apnea

When you have to wrestle with your allergies each night at bedtime, you may fitfully toss and turn and then wake up exhausted. It feels like you slept for maybe an hour or two. As you drag on with your day, bleary-eyed and dead tired, its easy to assume youre so exhausted because your stuffy nose, eye itchiness, and coughing kept you awake.

While that could be true, you could also be dealing with sleep apnea without even knowing it. Obstructive sleep apnea is a form of sleep apnea associated with allergies. The nasal symptoms of your allergies make you snore when you might regularly dont. The sound of your snoring, while very distracting to a partner, can even bother you, causing you to wake up again and again throughout the night.

The upper airway is obstructed with this sleep apnea, either somewhat or all the way. Since your airway cannot open, the lungs dont get as much air unless your chest muscles and diaphragm strain.

You can have obstructive sleep apnea and not even know it because youre barely aware of whats causing you to keep waking all night. Here are the other symptoms:

• Constant exhaustion that makes it hard to get out of bed
• A choking or gasping feeling that wakes you up, even several times a night
• Snoring
• Mood changes, depression, feeling forgetful, and difficulty with concentrating on tasks
• Morning headaches
• Sore throat and/or dry mouth in the morning