Anyone might develop allergies at any age and can face them in different ways. It’s easiest to cope with allergies by preventing them from causing negative problems and preparing for them. The information included in this article is going to help you recognize the symptoms of various allergies. Learn to protect yourself and your kids by finding out about preclusion and indoor/outdoor tips. Share this list with your friends so that they can overcome their allergy problems, too.
What Should You Know about Allergies?
Allergies are what happens when there’s an abnormal immune system reaction to everyday things that are usually harmless for people. If you’re allergic to something specific, the immune system believes the substance is bad for your body. The things that cause the allergic reaction are called allergens and can include things like plant pollen, dust, medicines, and foods.
To protect the body, your immune system produces antibodies for that allergen. They cause various cells within the body to release chemicals called histamine. The histamine works on the throat, nose, eyes, skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract and causes that allergic reaction’s symptoms. Future exposure to the allergen triggers that same response. Therefore, each time you come in contact with that particular allergen, you’ve got one or more symptoms.
House Dust Mites
One of the biggest allergy causes is dust mites. They’re tiny insects that are found in average household dust.
Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery, red eyes
- Itchy mouth, throat, or nose
- Stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy skin
- Cough
How to Prevent
Limit the number of dust mites in the house by:
- Using hard vinyl or wood floor coverings rather than carpet
- Choosing plastic, vinyl, or leather furniture rather than upholstered items
- Fitting some roller blinds instead of curtains
- Cleaning soft toys, cushions, upholstered furniture, and curtains regularly by vacuuming or washing at a high temperature
- Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Using allergy-proof covers on your pillows, duvets, and mattresses
- Regularly wiping down surfaces with a clean, damp cloth – don’t use dry dusting techniques because this puts more dust in the air
Pets
Typically, pet fur doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Instead, you are allergic to their dried urine, saliva, or dead skin flakes.
Symptoms
- Facial pain or pressure
- Cough
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, throat, or roof of mouth
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery, red eyes
How to Prevent
Remove the pet from the house, if possible. If this isn’t an option, consider:
- Keeping pets outside whenever possible
- Limiting them to specific areas of the house without carpeting
- Washing the pets once a week
- Not allowing pets into the bedroom
- Regularly washing their soft furnishings and bedding
- Regularly grooming your pets (outside is preferable)
- Increasing ventilation with air conditioning, fans, and opening windows
- Using air filters in rooms where you tend to spend a lot of time
Mold Spores
Tiny particles of mold can be released into the air. This causes allergic reactions in people who are sensitive.
Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Itchy body
- Runny nose
- Dry, scaly skin
- Congestion
- Fever symptoms
- Asthma trigger
How to Prevent
- Keep your home well-ventilated and dry
- Remove indoor potted plants from the house
- Don’t dry clothes inside
- Try not to store clothing in damp cupboards
- Avoid packing your clothes too tightly in closets or drawers
- Deal with and prevent condensation and dampness in the house
- Avoid damp wood, buildings, cut grass, rotten leaves, and compost heaps
Food Allergies
It’s possible to be born with a food allergy or develop it over time. By law, food manufacturers have to label foods that contain known and common allergic reactions, such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Symptoms
- Itchy, tingly mouth
- Raised red rash (hives)
- Swelling in the mouth, throat, face, or other areas
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
How to Prevent
You can check labels carefully to avoid an allergic reaction from the food you purchase. Most issues happen at restaurants, but you can prevent it by:
- Not relying on menu descriptions only (dressings and sauces can contain allergens)
- Discussing your concerns with the wait staff
- Avoiding placings where different foods can touch each other (buffets and bakeries)
- Letting the staff know about your dietary needs, including the severity of your intolerance or food allergy
- Always checking the allergens in a dish; restaurants can change ingredients and recipes)
- Don’t risk it if you’re unsure
Hay Fever
Pollen allergies are often called hay fever. They’re caused when grasses and trees release pollen in the air. Sometimes, it’s also called allergic rhinitis. Since different plants get pollinated at various times, you can get hay fever in all months.
Symptoms
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Postnasal drip
- Swollen, bluish skin under your eyes
- Itchy throat, roof of mouth, or nose
- Sneezing
- Watery, red, itchy eyes
- Runny nose
How to Prevent
To keep hay fever under control, consider:
- Checking weather reports to see pollen count. Stay inside when it’s high
- Not drying clothing and bedding outside if pollen counts are high
- Keep your windows and doors shut
- Wear wraparound sunglasses
- Ask someone else to cut your grass
- Avoid parks and fields in the evening, night, and early morning because pollen counts are higher
- Shower and change clothes after you’re outside
Insect Bites/Stings
If you’ve ever suffered from a bad reaction to a sting or bite, you should always minimize your risk.
Symptoms
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Swelling
- Drop in blood pressure
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarse voice
- Cough
How to Prevent
Most of the time, these issues happen outside during summer. Consider:
- Wearing shoes at all times
- Covering exposed skin
- Applying insect repellent
- Not wearing strong fragrances or perfumes that attract insects
Medicines
People can be allergic to antibiotics and other medicines.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Hives
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
How to Prevent
Avoid taking medications that you are allergic to and don’t handle them for others.
Chemicals
Some laundry detergents and cosmetics can cause an allergic reaction. Typically, it’s the chemicals within those products and can include household cleaners, dyes, and pesticides.
Symptoms
- Hives
- Rash
- Swelling in the area
How to Prevent
The best way to prevent chemical allergy reactions is to avoid those chemicals within products. Read the labels of things before buying them.
Severe Allergies (Anaphylaxis)
If you’re more at risk of having a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, ensure that you’ve got two auto-injectors of adrenaline with you whenever you go somewhere. It’s also a good idea to wear a Medi-Tag or MedicAlert bracelet to warn others of what to do in an emergency. Consider talking to your colleagues, friends, and neighbors so that they can help you if something happens.
How Do I Know if I Have Allergies?
Do you always sneeze when petting an animal or feel like the sniffles are coming on when spring starts? These are all signs that you’ve got an allergy. The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. He or she might recommend that you see an allergist to find out what you’re allergic to and how severe it is.
List your symptoms because your doctor could rule out other illnesses or issues.
Track the timing because if your symptoms are worse in the morning or you always sneeze in April for a few weeks, these are clues.
Note anything new that you’ve done. Did you start using new soap or detergent? Have you upgraded your skincare routine? Are you eating different foods? These can help the doctor find out the triggers for your allergy.
Allergy Risk Factors
Allergy risk factors can include:
- Family history of severe allergies
- History of asthma or allergies
- History of anaphylaxis
How Are Allergies Treated?
There are plenty of ways to treat allergies, including over-the-counter medications and those from a prescription. Options include:
- Allergy shots
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Antihistamines
- Allergy tablets
- Decongestants
Reduce Side Effects from Medication
To reduce the side effects from medication allergies:
- Follow the directions on the packaging. Read everything on the label and make sure you understand the instructions. Know when to take it, how often, and how much you need. Sometimes, the medicine should be taken with food; do that if it is listed.
- Have a list of all your medications. Tell your pharmacist or doctor about the medicines you’re taking. This includes OTC drugs and supplements.
- Mention any past problems when you go to the doctor. This helps them determine which medications you can and shouldn’t take.
- Limit alcohol usage. If you’re using antihistamines, don’t drink alcoholic beverages. It increases the side effects (drowsiness) and can make you sick.
Non-medicine Allergy Treatment
- Acupuncture
- Nasal irrigation
- Herbal supplements
Know the Difference Between Cold, Flu, and Allergy
Typically, the symptoms of a cold include a stuffy nose, sneezing, and a runny nose. You may also have a fever, body aches, and a sore throat, but watery eyes aren’t normal. With allergies, you may have those same things, as well as hives, watery eyes, and wheezing.
With the flu, you may have the chills, fever, and muscle aches. Cough, congestions, and a headache are also possible.
Children’s Allergies
Children can develop or have allergies, too. It’s important to learn the factors and what to do for them:
How to Treat Child’s Allergy Symptoms?
Children’s allergies often get confused with other conditions, such as a throat or ear infection. If you’re unsure of why your child is wheezing or sneezing, see an allergist or their pediatrician. They’re going to examine them to find out the symptoms and treatment options.
When pollen counts are high, consider having your child stay inside. This is in the morning for early fall and late summer, and avoid evenings outside in the summer and spring. Have them wear a cap outside and change clothes when they get inside. They should also wash off their face and be washing their hair every day during high pollen times.
Is Adult Allergy medicine Acceptable for Children?
Medications can help with allergies, but you’ve got to be careful. Depending on your child’s age, they can take adult medication. Look at the label, and it is going to tell you what age group it is suitable for. To give them the right dosage, you must know their weight and age to calculate it. Consider talking to your pharmacist or pediatrician to determine which medicines are okay and how much to give.
Tips on How to Deal with Allergies
- Ensure that your family and friends know about the allergy and what to do during an emergency.
- Don’t participate in any outdoor activities alone.
- Wear a medical ID bracelet that lists your allergies.
- Have 911 on speed-dial and make sure you’ve always got your phone.
- Carry your epinephrine auto-injector pen at all times or have a bee sting kit with you.
- Those with food allergies should avoid those trigger foods that cause symptoms. Read the food labels carefully to make sure none of those allergens are present.
- Keep your home clean from pet dander and dust and watch weather forecasts to know about high pollen counts. Consider dye-free and perfume-free detergents, beauty products, and cosmetics. They may be listed as hypoallergenic.
- Follow all medication instructions carefully and make sure that all doctors you see know about the medicines you take.
- You’re not alone. Scientists and doctors are working hard to understand allergies better so that they get improved treatments and might prevent allergies in the future.
Indoor Allergy Prevention Tips
- Be careful when cleaning. Dusting and vacuuming stir up more dust, which could trigger a reaction. Wear a mask as you clean, and leave the home right after cleaning to let things settle. Make sure that the vacuum uses a HEPA filter to catch more dust.
- Cut down on pet dander. Make sure pets aren’t in the bedrooms and frequently vacuum the carpets. Consider replacing carpet with linoleum, tile, or hardwood.
- Keep dust mites away. They thrive in carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture. Consider allergen-proof covers on pillows, box springs, and mattresses. Wash your bedding every week in hot water. Keep the humidity level in the house low by using a dehumidifier or air conditioning.
- Get rid of mold by using detergent and water. It’s also possible to use a five percent bleach solution. Repair outdoor and indoor leaks, and use a dehumidifier.
- Keep out pollen. Use air filters to remove it from the air and clean regularly. Use your air conditioner and frequently change the filter. Keep your doors and windows closed when possible.
Outdoor Allergy Prevention Tips
- Avoid being outside when allergens are at their highest, which is often between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Check the forecast to see about pollen counts. You can also download an app to show allergy forecasts in your area. Stay inside when mold and pollen counts are high or if the wind is gusty.
- Wear a face mask outside to reduce how much pollen is breathed in.
- Wear a hat during pollen season. Keep it right at the door, so you don’t traipse pollen throughout the house.
- Also, leave your shoes at the door for the same reason. Change clothes and immediately put the old ones in a hamper with a lid.
- Shower and wash your hair/face once you get inside for the day. Remember, pets can also bring pollen in, so keep them out of the bedroom.
- Roll up your car windows while driving.
- Pay someone to do the yard work for you.
- Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
Conclusion
Now, you know everything there is to know about allergies and prevention. It’s time to tell others about this great advice. Share the article for yourself and so that others can learn and be healthier.