Try These Steps To Avoid The Allergy Season

If you suffer from an allergy, it usually manifests itself in spring and fall.

You begin to have difficult breathing, your nose runs as you cough and sneeze and your eyes water and itch. Most people opt for the doctor's prescribed medications or run to the drugstore and try the hit and miss method of over the counter remedies.

Allergens (things that cause an allergy) are too numerous to list but the most common are dust and pollen. Some are also allergic to cats, bees, wasps and certain foods such as dairy products, nuts and fruits.

In rare cases people can be allergic to household chemicals and medications such as penicillin. The reaction can range from simply annoying to life threatening. If you know what you're allergic to you can take steps to avoid it but if you don't know you're stuck with the trial and error method.

Doctors can perform allergy tests to determine exactly what you're allergic to and prescribe ways to prevent any further discomfort. About one in three people will seek a doctor for allergy testing during their lifetime.

They usually wait until the pain and discomfort has become unbearable which is totally unnecessary because allergy testing has become increasingly more sophisticated, accurate and affordable.

There are three prime tests for allergens that are causing your body harm. They're the skin prick, patch and blood tests. All three can be performed in the physician's office experiencing little discomfort or expense. With the results you can obtain proper medication and/or avoid the cause.

The skin prick test is simple and quick. It can be performed on all age groups including babies. Up to 40 allergens can be tested simultaneously with the pricks done on the back or arm. Each prick is mildly painful depending on your pain tolerance.

You can wait for the results, usually available in about 20 minutes. Patients should avoid taking antihistamines and other medications about six weeks prior to testing or inconclusive results may occur.

The patch test is done with various allergens prepared and spread on a small metal disc. These discs are placed on the skin, usually the back, and left on for 48 hours. Patients are cautioned to keep the patches dry until they're removed and test results are determined.

The blood test is most helpful when unusual or rare allergens are suspected. It also can be performed in the doctor's office with a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in the arm. The discomfort is minimal but it may take up to two weeks to gain results.

All tests should be interpreted by the doctor after a full review of the patient's history of allergic reactions. A person's immune system and how it reacts to certain substances can change as that person ages.

There is little need to take the tests unless you're willing to act on the results. In other words, be prepared to take the needed medications or avoidance measures to prevent recurrence on whatever positive results are indicated.

When Spring and Summer creep up on us, we often don't know if what we're experiencing are allergies or basic end of the flu season ailments.

There are a few ways to recognize allergy symptoms and differentiate between being sick and having an allergic reaction.

The reason why it's important to know the difference is because allergic reactions can be mild or they could even be life threatening - and you need to know which you have.

Some surefire symptoms of allergic reactions are as follows: rashes, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, itchiness, difficulty breathing, cramps, vomiting, and dizziness.

Did you notice that a rash has appeared on your body? The first thing to do is keep from scratching if possible. Scratching and irritating the rash will only further spread it.

When you scratch, bits of your skin cells get underneath your fingernails. Then microscopic portions of the infected skin will spread to the rest of the body, where you put your fingers.

When you see a rash, make a doctor's appointment with a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a skin specialist who will be able to provide you with more information than your primary physician.

If you feel your eyes itching, that's a normal symptom of mild allergies. As with the rash - don't rub them. By rubbing your burning eyes, you could risk scratching key parts of your eye and end up making things way worse. Any allergy medication should help tame your itchy eyes.

One thing to note - if you have itchy eyes, it usually confirms the diagnosis of an allergy and not the flu.

If you feel intense nasal congestion, using a nasal spray will help break up the allergens in your sinuses. If you have a runny nose, don't continue sniffing the nasal drip back into your system - blow it out of your body. Sniffing will the mucus buildup that you had in your nose back into your body and put it in your throat. This will create inflammation in your throat as well as nasal cavities.

Having any of the above symptoms combined with difficulty breathing, cramps, vomiting, or dizziness means you need to seek the immediate attention of a medical professional.

These add-on symptoms are signs of potentially fatal allergic reaction. The last thing you want to do is to think that what you're experiencing is a small allergic reaction when it's really a deadly one.

If you're still questioning whether or not what you are experiencing is viral or a result of an allergic reaction, consult your primary care doctor. Recognizing your allergy symptoms is a key element in keeping your health and body away from any potentially deadly risks.

The dead of winter slowly thaws into spring and millions of allergy sufferers begin their annual trek to doctors, pharmacists and drug stores for pills and other remedies in hopes of finding relief.

For some, allergy relief is needed twelve months of the year as the quest for something that works never ends. This is the plight for up to 50 million Americans each year.

Allergy symptoms may include a runny nose, itchy watery eyes, coughing and sneezing to name a few but can also make breathing difficult with extreme congestion. Allergies can also make you drowsy and lethargic.

It lowers your immune system as you find it difficult to sleep and get proper rest. This is caused by your immune system overreacting and producing an over abundance of histamines and other substances being released into the body.

Many prescribed and over the counter remedies are taken daily by multitudes of those affected. Some of these methods attempt to work after the fact and many times only mask the symptoms for a few hours resulting in taking more medication until your particular allergen goes into dormancy or you're able to avoid it.

Others work together with your immune system to prevent the allergies before they start. These more natural treatments work to hold back allergic reactions while reducing the symptoms. These methods may not work immediately and take time to build up your immune system.

Those who go to an allergy specialist will probably be told to do one of three things or all: Medication, avoidance or some kind of immunotherapy. Avoidance can be difficult if not impossible since many times you're allergic to what's in the air you breathe. Medication can be a never ending ritual and quite expensive.

Immunotherapy means the treatment of allergies with various antigen preparations.

Some allergists recommend strengthening the body by using nutritional supplements to enhance the body's immune system. These treatments are said to be natural antihistamines and decongestants that work in concert with your body to fight the antigens and keep your breathing passages clear.

This is also called the orthomolecular approach that focuses on natural and nutritional supplements to give the body the strength it requires to correct imbalances that comprise your immune system.

Herbs that some recommend for allergy relief include butterbur, freeze dried nettles and goldenseal. Ginger root and rosemary are said to be anti-inflammatory and will strengthen both the immune and nervous systems. Also known to be effective are red wine, grape seed and vitamin C.

Diet affects our entire system and when our system is in good health it can more easily fight off allergens. Fruits are vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Fish, almonds, walnuts and flax seeds may help lessen respiratory problems by reducing inflammation.

Spicy foods can increase blood flow and the blood is then able to deliver more oxygen to the nasal passages. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep the body hydrated.

Some of these remedies are not recommended for people who have high blood pressure or other disorders. Check with your doctor first before beginning any new regimen.

Allergies are treatable and symptoms controllable.

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