Owing to modernization and technological advances in science, countless medications and therapies have been developed that can now be offered to persons suffering from various diseases. Ranging from the mild to the terminally sick, patients have a number of options to choose from regarding their treatment regimen. For example, nowadays the life-threatening complication of anaphylaxis can already be countered by the administration of measured doses of exogenous adrenaline. We also have better and safer chemotherapeutic drugs for managing certain types of cancer. Even the smallpox virus has been successfully eradicated throughout the entire planet. Then again, there are also conditions that cannot be fully treated however; their symptoms can still be managed. Many have tried unsuccessfully to develop a potent drug or vaccine that can cure diseases like HIV.
The same goes for allergies. Individuals who have allergies might have to carry the condition for an entire lifetime. The disorder stems from an exaggerated immune response to allergens which you take in through food, skin contact, and inhalation. A person with allergies experiences symptoms ranging from sneezing and stuffy nose to a full-blown allergic asthma or anaphylactic shock. But don’t let these words scare you. Luckily, virtually ANY allergy can be controlled by medications and lifestyle changes.
Know Your Allergens
Early diagnosis is essential for early prevention. Once you notice any association between allergy and a particular food, product, or activity, you have to take note of this and refer immediately to your physician.
Beating The Sneezing
Recurring allergies would mean that the allergens are present in your very own surroundings. If your allergies occur at home, you may begin by keeping the indoors clean at all times. Avoid using rugs and carpets that may harbor dust. Rodents and pests are likely to be attracted to open garbage bins. You should always keep them covered and regularly emptied. Your kitchen and bathroom are favorable places for mold growth. Scrub tiles and counters as often as possible to keep their numbers to a minimum. And lastly, keep the air inside your home clean by incorporating an air filter. If possible, avoid using air conditioning systems. The goal of home environment modification is to improve the ventilation inside.
Be Prepared
Regardless of the cause, if you have allergies, and have experienced a severe attack even at least once, you are a good candidate for anaphylaxis. I used to think that an Epinephrine auto-injector would suffice an emergency kit. But there are also other important things that an allergy sufferer should bring in handy.
If you are prone to asthma attacks, you should always bring bronchodilators with you. These are fast acting medications that are available only with a physician’s order. Some antihistamines, nasal decongestants and sprays can be bought over-the-counter, while others are regulated and may need a prescription. Nevertheless, for the no-holds-barred coughing, itching, and sneezing, these medications may be of great help to you. Eye drops will also relieve the eye-itching.
Feel Better
Learn to relax. Emotional upsets can also trigger asthma attacks which is far worse. Keep fit and have a regular exercise routine. Research has shown that the more you exercise, the more hours of activity you can tolerate. Start from light activities. But be sure to have your emergency kit with you at all times, especially for those who have exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
In the meantime, studies are continuously being conducted and products are being enhanced so as to better understand the mechanism of each disease as well as to cater to the special needs of allergy sufferers. Lifestyle changes are a good start. In the long run, you will simply get used to live through it.
