Allergy Treatment

1.    Environmental control

2.    Medications

3.    Allergy shots

     If you know what triggers your allergies they can be controlled more effectively.  This is another argument for allergy testing.  Those who have had their allergies tested know what aggravates them and can avoid those factors.  Lifestyle interventions are a mainstay in allergy avoidance. 

     Another option to help treat and prevent allergies is to take the natural route. Allergy Free for Life is a product that can help you banish allergies naturally. 

Outdoor allergies

·         Remain indoors with doors and windows closed and the air conditioning on to cool the home if needed.  While this is not practical all of the time, if you are sensitive to pollen, it is especially important on days with high pollen counts to remain indoors as much as possible. 

·         Monitoring pollen counts should be done by all patients with allergies to pollen. This can be done through multiple websites including: http://www.pollen.com.

·         When driving, roll up the windows and use the air conditioner. 

·         High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters should be used on air conditioning units and heating vents.  Air filters and air ducts should be cleaned regularly. 

·         Air-drying laundry out doors can increase the amount of allergens on the clothes, so use indoor methods to dry clothes. 

·         After being outside, bathing may help reduce the amount of pollen on the body. 

Indoor allergies

·         Keep the bedroom as free of allergens as possible as this is the room that can most easily lead to problems.

·         Wash the bedding every week in hot water.

·         Vacuum the mattress.

·         Place impermeable covers on the bed – such as plastic. 

·         Most furniture should be made of dust proof material such as wood, metal or plastic.

·         Remove stuffed animals from the bedroom.

·         No pets in the bedroom.

·         Remove carpet from the bedroom and other rooms, if possible.

·         If you use a rug, use one that is made of synthetic fiber.

·         If allergy measures are maximized in the bedroom but not in other rooms, keep the door to the bedroom closed.

·         No indoor plants (especially in the bedroom).

·         Dehumidify the home.

·         Control mildew and mold in the bathroom by reducing humidity and spraying the shower with a mold/mildew reducing product such as Lysol mildew.

·         Use high-efficiency particulate air filters.

·         When vacuuming or dusting wear a mask or get someone without allergies to do these tasks.

·         Wash pets frequently.

·         Brush pets outside.