Can You Outgrow Your Allergies
Most people with allergies first develop them as children or infants. But as they age, some individuals seem to leave their hay fever, pet allergies or even food allergies behind.
Doctors don’t know exactly why, but people’s allergies actually can disappear over time. And even when they don’t disappear, allergies vary significantly.
The severity of allergic reactions differs widely among people, and even within the same individual, allergic reactions can change in severity from season to season and from allergen to allergen. For example, a neighbor’s cat might send you into a sneezing fit, while a different feline could provoke nary a reaction at all.
In general, doctors do know what causes allergies: Your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance. When functioning correctly, your body’s defenses attack foreign invaders, like viruses. With allergies, the immune system mistakenly targets pollen, pet dander or certain foods, for example, sending molecules called immunoglobulin E antibodies to orchestrate a “defense.”
In cases of disappearing allergies, some experts theorize that the person may simply grow accustomed to the allergen, thus reducing the level of immune-system sensitivity.
“Growing accustomed” seems important in allergies to food, particularly nuts. Some doctors have recently emphasized promoting tolerance to the food through low-level exposure that’s gradually increased.
Is It Seasonal Allergies Or Another Medical Condition
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, sinus infection, or food allergy. Allergic pink eye conjunctivitis usually comes with seasonal allergies, is not contagious, and can be treated with normal allergy medications. The symptoms of these illnesses are similar, but there are some telltale differences that can help you pinpoint a correct diagnosis.
Use A Saline Sinus Rinse
When allergies cause sinus problems, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommend a person rinse their sinuses with saline. This can remove allergens and clear the airways.
The AAAAI recommend the following saline recipe:
- mix 3 teaspoons of salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of boiled water
- dissolve the mixture in the water then use as a saline rinse
Sinus rinsing devices can be purchased online or from a pharmacy.
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Fight Allergies With A Laugh
The results aren’t definitive more studies need to be done but research indicates that humor may increase immune function by increasing levels of immunoglobulin A , a protein found in your eyes, ears, mouth, throat, and nose that protects against infection. So go ahead and rent a funny movie or visit a comedy club with friends anything that gives you the giggles may help you feel better.
How Long To I Have To Keep Getting My Allergy Shots
There are two phases to allergy shot therapy: a build-up phase and a maintenance phase.
- Build-up phase: In this phase you will start with a low dose injection and build to a higher dose of allergens over time. For typical immunotherapy this phase lasts from 6 to 10 months, depending on how often you get your shots and how well you tolerate them. The build-up phase for venom therapy generally lasts for 10 weeks.
- Maintenance phase: When you reach your effective therapeutic dose you will begin the maintenance phase. During this phase you receive your allergy shots less often, usually every 3 to 4 weeks. The maintenance phase typically lasts 3-5 years .
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Remove Or Avoid The Trigger
If the allergen thats causing your body to react is no longer present, then your allergy symptoms and sneezing will stop. However, you may not know what youre allergic to. Is it something thats blooming? Did you come into contact with an animal that triggered allergies with their dander? Could you have been around mold or dust? If you cant pinpoint the cause, its difficult to remove or avoid it.
Even if you know what causes your allergies, its not always possible to steer clear of the trigger. For example, if tree pollen makes you sneeze and you live in an area with forests and tree-lined streets, you cant avoid the trigger for the entire allergy season, although its possible to mitigate your contact with it.
Quick Fixes For Seasonal Allergies
Did you know? Allergies are one of the leading chronic illnesses in the United States and affect about 50 million people each year.
Seasonal allergies typically ramp up in early March and run through fall depending on where you live in the country. Southern states may see allergy season begin earlier in February. Here are some quick tips for allergy relief.
- Use antihistamines.
Histamine is a chemical found in some of your bodys cells. Its involved in the creation of many allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or a runny nose. Antihistamines stop the production of histamine, which may then provide you with relief from symptoms.
Oral antihistamines come in many forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, and more. You can talk to a doctor on LiveHealth Online for advice on which medicine to try. Its important to note that some antihistamines can make you drowsy.
- Try decongestants or nasal sprays.
Do you need assistance distinguishing between allergies and a cold? Check out the differences in symptoms.
- Keep the windows closed.
Try to keep your windows closed if youre experiencing allergies. This can be tough to do if the weather in your area is nice and sunny, but closed windows will help prevent pollen and other allergens from being brought indoors. A good rule of thumb is to stay inside with shut windows when pollen counts are high. Many weather or allergy smartphone apps can keep you updated on allergen levels in your area.
- Talk to a doctor on LiveHealth Online.
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Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time.
Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?
Home remedies for allergies including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below youll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief.
Talk With Your Doctor About Seasonal Allergy Testing Or Allergy Shots
Allergy testing can help your care provider diagnose your exact allergies and come up with a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.
Allergy tests are pretty simple. The tests are performed on your skin at a clinic that offers allergy testing. This determines what allergens are causing your symptoms.
Depending on how severe your allergies appear to be, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy with allergy shots to help reduce and maybe even eliminate your bodys reaction to environmental allergens.
These shots help teach your body to not be allergic and are given over the course of a couple of years until a target dose is reached. Once the right dosage has been reached, your doctor will work with you on a maintenance schedule.
Allergy shots are the most effective way of treating allergies and work better than most prescription medications. A course of allergy shots can give you long-term symptom relief that could last for 5-10 years. Many people have symptom relief the rest of their life. You can discuss the cost of allergy shots with your insurance provider.
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How Do I Avoid Allergens
The best way to prevent allergy symptoms and limit your need for allergy medicine is to avoid your allergens as much as possible. This includes removing the source of allergens from your home and other places you spend time. You can also reduce your symptoms to airborne allergens by washing out your nose daily. You can do this by using a nasal saline rinse using a squeeze bottle or a Neti pot.
Fight Allergies With Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the only way to truly change the way your immune system and allergy response to allergens like pollen and ragweed, explained Michael Mardiney, Jr., MD, an allergist at MD Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. People who are treated with immunotherapy receive injections containing the substances they are allergic to, in increasing amounts once or twice a week. This desensitizes the immune system over time. Immunotherapy is usually the best treatment when your seasonal allergy symptoms occur year-round or when you don’t have enough success with allergy medication.
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Natural Allergy Relief Options
What helps relieve allergies fast? Watching what you eat, getting plenty of fresh air and drinking enough water are some of the natural remedies that can relieve allergies by improving functions of the immune system.
It may take several weeks for your symptoms to subside, but they are likely to be better kept under control when you tackle the root causes. Here are nine ways to get natural allergy relief.
1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet
First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment.
Here are some of the best foods and ingredients to incorporate into your diet to help you beat allergies:
Although its not abundant in many foods, vitamin D is also important for immune function and may help manage allergy symptoms. In fact, certain studies have shown that children who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop allergies and suffer higher rates of hospital admissions due to allergic reactions.
You can get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes in the sun most days without sunscreen and by eating foods like whole milk and some mushrooms for natural allergy relief.
2. Local Raw Honey
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Quercetin
5. Neti Pot
6. Stinging Nettle
8. Probiotics
Find Out What The Pollen Level Is In Your Area
Knowing the pollen count can help you plan an attack for allergy symptoms. How can you find out? Just turn on your favorite weather report. Many reports include the pollen count in your area. Or, go online to Pollen.com.
Taking a trip? The pollen count may be higher where youre headed. Check the count at your destination and take along medications just in case.
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What This Means For Pet Parents With Cat Allergies
The reality is that many people go through extreme efforts to manage allergies to keep their beloved feline in their home. While a number of those people are successful, a number are forced to re-home a cat if someone new to the household has an intolerable allergy.
These two studies and potential new products offer a glimpse of hope for cat-allergy sufferers.
As this research is still ongoing, I would anticipate the efficacy of this product only to improve.
Fighting the problem at the source, instead of alleviating the symptomsits so brilliant, and yet so simple. Its one of those times that I find myself wondering, Why didnt I think of that?
Immediate Action Required: Call 999 If:
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- you’re wheezing
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
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How To Relieve Sneezing From Allergies
Once youve determined that youre suffering from allergies rather than a cold, youre ready to figure out how to reduce or relieve sneezing. Here are a few actions you can take: 6
Take an oral antihistamine, decongestant, or medicated nasal spray to control your symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of getting immunotherapy to reduce your bodys reaction to allergens.
When All Else Fails For Allergy Relief
Sometimes, even the strongest immune system falls victim to seasonal allergies that leave a trail of mucus in their wake. When this happens, you may find the most surefire way to fight allergy symptoms is through good old-fashioned allergy medication, either prescription or over-the-counter. “The proper drugs can diminish and block the expression of allergic disease,” Mardiney said. “There’s a lot you can do for allergies.”
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Talk With A Healthcare Provider
Allergies cant be cured, but they can be managed.
If you think youre developing a new allergic response, Dr. Pien says to talk with a healthcare provider.
New allergies may take three to five years to develop, so if you havent had an allergy test recently, your provider may want to perform one, Dr. Pien says. Theyll be able to help you identify any allergies you have and discuss approaches to managing them.
Common treatment options for allergies include:
- Antihistamines.
- Avoidance of allergens or gradual sensitization to the allergen.
- Nasal sprays and nasal steroids.
Allergies can definitely develop later in life. Sometimes, theyve been lurking in the shadows all along waiting for the right trigger. Other times they just happen.
But some allergic reactions can be serious and even life-threatening, so if you suspect you have an allergy, talk with a healthcare provider before attempting to diagnose or treat yourself.
Avoid Exposure To Allergens
Whether you have severe or milder allergic reactions, knowing what triggers your allergies is important so you can avoid them. Avoidance is the most effective way to prevent any allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Develop an avoidance plan with your doctor thats customized to your age, lifestyle and home environment.
Carefully read food labels and labels of other products that could contain allergens. And be aware that fragrances and dyes can irritate your skin.
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Know What To Do When Allergies Strike
Allergens can sneak into your life on your daily walk, a plate of food, or anywhere in between. You might be born with them or develop them years down the line. Knowing what to do when you or someone you know is having an allergy attack could be the difference between life and death.
When experiencing serious allergy symptoms, heading to your local Urgency Room could bring you relief faster than you thought possible. Our skilled and experienced emergency physicians and nurses are well trained to care for serious allergic reactions. At the UR, we treat the allergy symptoms. Treating and allergic reaction does not require any testing and we do not do allergy testing. Were dedicated to helping you return to your healthy self as soon as possible.
You dont have to suffer through your allergies alone. Get the care you need now and the tools you need to avoid future allergy attacks. The Urgency Room operates three convenient Minnesota locations in Eagan, Vadnais Heights, and Woodbury. Were open 365 days per year from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays. When minutes matter, especially during an allergy attack, get to The Urgency Room.
Why We Get Allergies
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America calls allergies among the countrys most common, but overlooked, diseases.
Allergies happen when your body reacts to a harmless substance, say pollen, animal dander, dust mites or foods. Your body mistakes the trigger for a dangerous intruder and mounts a defense. You release a chemical called histamine that causes symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Depending on the allergen, you may experience signs of an allergic reaction, like:
Why people develop allergies is still a topic of debate in the medical world.
Allergies are a product of both nature and nurture, Dr. Pien says. We know that our genetics can predispose some of us to have an allergy. Exposure to the allergen can turn on allergic antibody production.
At some point, for some people, re-exposure to the allergen causes clinical allergic symptoms related to the previous allergic antibody production. But the reasons why the clinical symptoms get turned on, when theyll turn on and for whom are still not well known at this point.
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Hypopet Ag Vaccine Study
Scientists at a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland have announced the development of a conjugate vaccine called HypoCat that binds to and neutralizes the major cat allergen, Fel d1.
According to the studies recently performed, cats who received the HypoCat vaccine according to the protocol did indeed have lower levels of Fel d1 in the blood.
Although it is somewhat more subjective, the allergic humans involved in the study did show less allergic symptoms around the vaccinated cat compared to unvaccinated cats.
Due to the encouraging results, the Swiss company is moving ahead with registration studies and discussions to bring the vaccine to market in the US and Europe.
HypoPet is hoping to have their HypoCat vaccine on the market in 2022, and they also have a HypoDog vaccine in the pipeline too.
