Home - health - Understanding Treatment Options For Allergies

Understanding treatment options for allergies

Understanding treatment options for allergies

Allergies are a common problem, and there is nothing that can be done to avoid them. However, there are treatments and medications available that help manage the symptoms caused due to an allergic reaction. It is necessary to be aware of the course of action in case you or someone around you is suddenly experiencing an allergic reaction. Continue reading to learn more about allergies, how to detect them, and its treatment options.

What are allergies and how to detect them?

An allergy is the reaction produced by the immune system when it is trying to fight a foreign substance it believes to be harmful. This foreign substance does not have to be bacteria or viruses. Sometimes, your immune system fights virtually non-harmful substances such as grass, dust mites, dander, and food, assuming them as harmful. This reaction against non-harmful substances or “allergens” is known as an allergic reaction.

The body reacts to different things on a different scale. That means the type, the severity, and the signs of an allergic reaction can differ from person to person. While our genetics do play a role in their manifestation, it does not necessarily mean we exhibit the same allergies as our parents. Allergies can be developed at any stage of life to any substance.

Signs of allergies vary from person-to-person. Some show symptoms such as running nose, congestion, watery eyes, swollen mouth, and face, while others show symptoms like rashes, hives, skin inflammation, and wheezing. Some allergies also manifest in the form of asthma, making it even more important to detect what causes the allergic reaction.

It is essential to consult your doctor and get a medical opinion about allergies. The doctor may ask you to undergo blood and skin tests that will help determine your allergies. Here are some details about the possible treatment that includes oral medications, nasal sprays, immunotherapy, and emergency epinephrine.

Oral medications and nasal sprays for allergies include the following various classes of medicines

  • Antihistamines – Antihistamines block the chemical histamine, which is released by the body during an allergic reaction.
  • Corticosteroids – These decrease the inflammation caused due to an allergic reaction and provide relief.
  • Decongestants – Decongestants are used in temporarily relieving nasal and sinus congestion. They are available in the form of liquids, sprays, drops, and pills.

Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is a treatment process that involves regular exposure to allergens with gradually increasing intensity. This is done in order to get the immune system to stop reacting to these allergens. It is specially used in case of hard to avoid allergy-causing substances.

The course of treatment can be decided with guidance from your doctor. It is important to be prepared in case of an unexpected reaction. In order to do so, a patient is advised to always carry their medications with them and two epinephrine shots. The epinephrine shots can be easily self-administered and come handy in case of emergency.

You May Also Like

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
Read More
How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
Read More
5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.
Read More