Top Allergy Advice Straight from the Experts After speaking with some Hurst ENT doctors (FYI: ENT is “ear, nose and throat�) I found that there are many different types of allergic reactions. These include reactions to animal dander, food reactions, dust allergies, or even problems with pollen. While each one of these has different aspects, they also share some things in common. This article will help you deal with allergies of various types. Allergies can be a confusing condition for many people. People do not understand the difference between real food allergies and standard food intolerances. Allergies are caused by an immune reaction, while the latter is caused by digestion problems. Consult a doctor to find out the cause of your allergies, so you know what causes your condition. If you are a major sufferer of allergies, but love getting in an outdoor workout, it is best to do it during the early or late parts of the day so that you do not inhale as much pollen. There are lower amounts of pollen during these times, so optimize these time periods. If allergies are causing your nose to drip constantly, you might experience chafing, redness and soreness around your nostrils. Using paper tissues to stop drips can make this condition even worse. Instead, discretely dab at your nose with a cotton cloth or handkerchief or apply Vaseline to your nostrils to protect your skin. Unless your asthma and allergies are severe, you might feel that there is no reason to visit a specialist for treatment. Don't sell yourself short, chronic wheezing and slight shortness of breath can adversely affect your quality of life. Each time you experience even mild trouble breathing; your lungs and muscles work harder and quickly lead to fatigue. For many allergy sufferers, it is impossible to effectively treat symptoms on their own. When the effects of seasonal and other allergies become too much to bear, it is wise to seek the assistance of a medical professional. By consulting with a specialist, you will have greater access to useful diagnostic tools and prescription treatments that would, otherwise, be unavailable to you. If your child frequently complains of symptoms like a stuffy nose, or frequent sneezing, allergies may be to blame. Over time, these problems can make it difficult for your child to perform well in class or reach their full potential. In these cases, allergy therapy may produce a marked difference in the way your child feels and behaves. Getting rid of carpeting in your home can help your allergies because carpeting often traps a lot of allergens. Check under your carpeting and you may find that you have beautiful hardwood floors hiding underneath. You may like the look better and it will be better for your health and your family's health. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, a good place to start would be trying over-the-counter medications. Be sure to choose the medication that is for your specific type of allergy. If you are unsure, there are
medicines that treat all different types of allergies. Always be sure to follow the directions on the package. Many doctors are more than willing to write prescriptions for the latest and greatest allergy medications, but some are utterly clueless about the high price tag. If you are having a hard time paying for these medications, ask for samples or contact the drug manufacturer to inquire about patient assistance programs. A good way to reduce your exposure to allergens is to close your windows and doors in the morning and night. Many of the common allergens are at their peak during these times of the day. Most outdoor allergens are pollen. Natural sources like pollen are at their highest levels at these times of the day. Remove pillows made with feathers or other natural fillers and make a switch to synthetic pillows. Synthetic materials do not attract dust mites the way natural materials do. Pillows should be washed to remove dust mites and allergens. It may be tempting to move elsewhere to try to avoid the allergens that are causing your allergies. When this thought crosses your mind, remember that the most common allergy causing plants (grass and ragweed) are found everywhere. So, a move to a different climate may not help your situation. By reading this article, you are already one step ahead. You may not be able to prevent allergic reactions completely, but you will be prepared to deal with the reactions as they come. Try to keep these tips in mind, the next time you find yourself sneezing, and wheezing because of allergies. If the allergic reactions are too severe for this advice to manage, connect with your own area ENT doctors for help. If you’re living between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas (commonly referred to as the “Mid-Cities”) contact Saint Camillus Medical Center in Hurst, the very best Mid-Cities Hospital I have found in my research. That’s it. Take care out there!