Three Ways to Stop Allergies Before They Start

Treating the symptoms of allergies with a medicine cabinet full of drugs will not cure your problem. The best strategy is to prevent symptoms before they start. Untreated allergies are the cause of many other illnesses, such as asthma, coughing, and insomnia. Allergies also compromise your immune system and put you at greater risk for getting colds and flu. The mucous cells in your nose are the first line of defense against germs that enter through the nose.

1. Avoid your triggers. In order to do this you first need a diagnosis. While many leave the doctor's office with a prescription for antibiotics, antihistamines or inhalers, they are only chasing their symptoms as their condition gets worse. After you have been diagnosed, your doctor can refer you to an allergy specialist, who may order a blood test to check for allergens that are common in your region. You may also have a skin prick test to get more detailed information. If you reduce the number of hours your dog stays in the house, allergen levels will drop considerably. Indoor and outdoor allergens can be removed from your home by using HEPA air purifiers. Anyone can benefit from an air purifier in the home. It is a good preventative measure for the entire family.

2. Another preventive measure is immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Immunotherapy can give you symptom control for years without needing any medications. This therapy takes three to five years to complete, because it involves increasing the medication over time as you build up resistance to it. After several months you cut back from three to two to once a month. After three to five years most people can stop the medication altogether. Keep in mind, though, that allergy shots are less effective against mold, cats and dogs, but have been very successful in treating allergies to pollens and dust mites.

3. Once it gets FDA approval, sublingual immunotherapy, which involves putting drops under your tongue once a day, could probably become very popular with allergy sufferers. A small percentage of allergy doctors now offer this therapy. However, the drops aren't covered by insurance and can cost about $300 for a three-month supply. You will save money on co-pays, though, since you can take this medication at home. The FDA is reviewing sublingual tablets which will probably be covered by insurance once approved.

Allergies can really downgrade your quality of life. They make you sick and can put a damper on your social life. Food allergies can cause other harmful disorders such as heartburn and stomach problems such as diarrhea and bloating. Some allergies may even raise the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. Clearly, now is the time to take action if you have unexplained illnesses, to prevent them from getting worse and even ruining your health.