POLLEN COUNT
Allergies can be uncomfortable for you and the people around you. It’s no fun being around a person who’s constantly sneezing. Allergies can also catch you off guard during important life moments.
If you frequently suffer from allergy attacks, this article is for you! Check out this handy guide to effectively coping with allergies.
Know and avoid your triggers.
As with anything else, the preventive strategy remains the best strategy. An allergy occurs when your body reacts to a substance that it mistakenly perceives as a threat. When your body comes into contact with dust and dust mites, it triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, thus the symptoms— sneezing, watery and itchy skin and/or eyes, rashes, among others.
As much as you can, try to limit your exposure to the trigger. Know what is causing your allergic reaction, and find ways to avoid it. If you’re allergic to pollen, try to stay indoors on dry, windy days. Make sure you shut your doors and windows tightly. If you need to go out, wear a pollen mask and take a shower as soon as you get home.
If you have a food allergy, avoid eating foods that contain allergens. Don’t take the risk since a food allergy can become life-threatening. Parents should also inform the school about their child’s allergies.
Improve your indoor environment.
Reduce indoor allergens by investing in devices that have high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which can remove minute airborne particles that cause allergic reactions. There are some models of vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers that are equipped with HEPA filters.
Make it a point to frequently clean damp areas, where mold can develop, such as your basement and garage. Avoid collecting too many indoor plants, since the soil can also promote mold growth.
Consult an allergist.
If home remedies aren’t effective or if your allergies have already lasted longer than a week and have started to affect your quality of life, it’s time to seek professional help. An allergist can help you. They will review your medical history and perform an allergy test to pinpoint what’s causing your allergic reaction.
Once the culprit is identified, your allergist will form a customized treatment plan. They may prescribe stronger medications to ease symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. Depending on your condition, your allergist may also recommend immunotherapy. During this treatment, your doctor will safely introduce small amounts of the allergen into your body. The dosage will increase over time until your body builds full tolerance.
Allergy Treatment in Will and DuPage Counties, IL
At Oak Brook Allergists, our board-certified allergists can diagnose and treat all kinds of allergies. Based on the results of our thorough evaluation, we will work closely with your primary care provider to develop a customized treatment plan that takes your needs into careful consideration.
Apart from the standard pharmacological interventions for symptom relief, we offer oral immunotherapy, which provides you with long-term, life-saving protection in the event of accidental exposure to the allergen. Oral immunotherapy is especially beneficial if you have a food allergy.
Call us today at (630) 574-0460 or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule an appointment. We have locations at Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Plainfield to serve you. We look forward to helping you get your allergies under control!
