Allergies are the 5th leading chronic condition in the United States. The Spring season brings warmer weather and joy to many people, but may also bring sneezing, congestion, and headaches to those suffering from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies can be treated through avoidance, medication, and injections.
In order to avoid seasonal allergy symptoms, you will need to know what you are allergic to. Common seasonal allergens include grass, trees, and weeds. An Allergist in Elizabethtown KY can conduct a skin test determine what potential allergens are affecting your body. Exposure to allergens can be minimized by keeping track of pollen counts and adjusting activities accordingly. During the spring and summer, pollen counts for trees and grass peak in the evening. During the fall, weed pollen counts peak in the morning. Allergic individuals should avoid outdoor activities at times and days with higher pollen counts. If staying indoors is not an option, wear a pollen mask while outside. After coming inside, shower to remove pollen from the skin and change clothing to reduce exposure to seasonal allergens. Keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are high.
An oral antihistamine can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. When the pollen count increases, start taking medication before symptoms become problematic. In addition to the antihistamine, nasal sprays effectively reduce inflammation in the nose. Eye drops can be used to treat itchy and red allergic eyes.
Allergy injections can provide long-term relief from seasonal allergies. The shots are initially given twice per week and gradually build up the body’s immunity to the allergens. A small amount of allergen is injected into the skin to trigger the immune system, but not enough to cause an allergic reaction. The dose of allergens is gradually increased as the body builds immunity until an individual is no longer reacting to the seasonal allergens. It can take 3 to 5 years to complete treatment.
After identifying allergens the body is reacting to, symptoms can be improved through appropriate treatment that may include avoiding allergens, taking medication to treat symptoms, and developing immunity through injections. Find more information from an Allergist in Elizabethtown KY.
