Allergy Management Guidelines
Yes, you make lemonade! When someone is allergic to seafood or latex, it is still possible to avoid them altogether. But what does one do when he/she is allergic to dust? Or pollen? Or paint? Or mold? While allergies cannot be prevented, but allergy management is possible. Here is some practical advice which should help you a bit.
1. Avoid or limit your exposure to allergens
Allergy management is possible in the following ways:
- Food allergies by being careful about what you eat
- Animal allergies by keeping pets outside as much as possible and washing them regularly
- Mold allergies by keeping your home dry and well-ventilated
- Hay fever by staying indoors and avoiding grassy areas when the pollen count is high
- Dust mite allergies by using allergy-proof duvets and pillows, and fitting wooden floors rather than carpets
2. Take allergy medications
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before you take allergy medications for even mild allergies.
3. Antihistamines
Safe and non-sedating antihistamines like Fexofenadine, Loratadine, Desloratadine, Rupatadine etc. are the primary allergy medication and can be taken as tablets, capsules, creams, liquids, eye drops, or nasal sprays depending on which part of your body is affected by your allergy and as prescribed by the doctor.
They can be used:
As and when you notice the symptoms of an allergic reaction
4. Decongestants
Decongestants can be used as a short-term treatment for a blocked nose. However, using them for more than a week at a time can make your symptoms worse.
5. Steroids
Steroid medications can help reduce inflammation caused by an allergic reaction.
They're available as:
- Nasal sprays and eye drops for an inflamed nose and eyes
- Creams for eczema and contact dermatitis
- Inhalers for asthma
- Tablets for hives
- Sprays, drops and few steroid creams are available without a prescription. Stronger creams, inhalers and tablets are available on prescription.
6. Immunotherapy (desensitisation)
This is an allergy management practice conducted strictly by a doctor where it is attempted to get a body used to an allergen so that the reaction isn’t so severe.
7. Treating severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
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 injections containing a medicine called adrenaline to use in an emergency.
