Ways to Outsmart Your Allergies
OTC meds like antihistamines and decongestants can significantly relieve symptoms, but if your nose is still running, it may be time for an upgrade.
If you’ve got a faucet for a nose and are constantly congested, ask your doctor about a steroid nasal spray, which relieves these symptoms better than an antihistamine, says Dr. David Shulan, FAAAI, vice president of Certified Allergy Asthma Consultants, a practice in Albany, NY. The catch: You need to use it on a regular basis, and it can take up to 2 weeks to have an effect. A spritz every once in a while is useless, Shulan says.
If pollen, ragweed, or dust mites are your main problem, think about getting allergy shots (immunotherapy). Injections of very small, safe amounts of the chemicals you’re allergic to will help your immune system become resistant to the allergens, so your body doesn’t launch a full-out attack every time you inhale a pollen particle. You get shots once or twice a week for several months in gradually increasing doses, and periodic maintenance shots after that for 3 to 5 years.
“Not enough people who could benefit from allergy shots consider them,†says Dr. John R. Cohn, chief of the adult allergy section at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. “They may help if you don’t respond to usual treatments because they reduce your sensitivity to allergens instead of only treating symptoms. I find that about 80% of patients see an 80 percent improvement.†Unfortunately, the shots are not as effective for most mold allergies, said Shulanâ€
Is Your Medication Making You Sick?
