Having an allergy and wondering how to get rid of allergies as it can reduce the quality of life. Allergies are common and do not usually have life-threatening consequences. There are different types of allergies and each of them has different symptoms.
It is very important to identify what you are allergic to prevent it. Preventing an allergy is the best way you can get rid of your allergy.
However, you can not entirely get rid of an allergy but you can learn to live with it and manage it. No one wants to keep experiencing symptoms of allergies every week.
An allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign material that may not be harmful to the body. This foreign substance is seen as a foreign invader. Any substance that causes an allergy is called an allergen.
Symptoms of an allergy
Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe
Mild symptoms include
- Hay fever
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Rashes
These symptoms are mild because they do not spread to all your body.
Moderate symptoms include
- Itchiness
- Swelling
- Difficulty in breathing
These symptoms spread to every part of your body.
Severe symptoms
Severe symptoms could pose a serious health condition known as anaphylaxis. When you have a severe symptom of an allergy your body responds fast. Symptoms include;
- abdominal pain
- Severe itchiness of the eyes and face.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Swellings
- Cramps
If you notice any of these symptoms please see a doctor immediately.
How to get rid of allergies
There are several ways you can get rid of your allergies. These ways can help prevent your allergic symptoms from bothering you. Different ways you can get rid of your allergies include
- Allergy immunotherapy
- Hypoallergenic bedding
- Home HEPA filters
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy is a permanent treatment for people with severe symptoms of an allergy. It can be used in the treatment of allergens like mold, pet dander, pollen, insect stings. It helps to reduce symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes. Also known as allergy shots, this immunotherapy injection is administered frequently.
How frequently you go to your allergy doctor for injections depends on how fast your symptoms reduce. However, symptoms can return if you stop going for your shots or injection.
It can alter your immune system as it takes about 4-5years for symptoms to stop. It is a good way to get rid of your allergies because it prevents new allergies from developing.
Another alternative of allergy shots your doctor may recommend is sublingual immunotherapy. It can be taken by placing a tiny tablet in your tongue for 3-5 years. It can be taken at home.
Allergy immunotherapy is a great way to get rid of allergies as you can remain free from allergies for the rest of your life when treatment is completed.
Hypoallergenic bedding
Another way to get rid of allergies is by having hypoallergenic bedding. Using this for your sheets, mattress and pillows will make your room free from allergies like mold, dust mite, and pet dander. These beddings are made from materials that are resistant to these allergies.
Organic cotton, wool, silk, and microfiber are materials that can be used to make hypoallergenic bedding because they help in fighting these allergies and prevent allergens from accumulating in your bedding.
You should wash your sheet regularly and create a clean environment if you want to prevent this allergy. However, this bedding helps to reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion. It is also good bedding for people with sensitive skin.
Home HEPA filters
HEPA means high-efficiency particulate air. It is a home filter that aids to filter the air in the surroundings of your home to get rid of allergens. It is a mechanical filter that works by forcing air through a mesh that traps allergens such as pollen, dust mites, molds, and pet dander and releases clean air.
You can keep these filters in places you stay the most like in your office, living room, or your bedroom. They can also filter other particles like dust, viruses, and bacteria.
It is important as well that you get rid of all allergens in every way you can.
Allergens; how to get rid of them
Any substance that causes an allergy is known as an allergen. They include;
Molds
Pet dander
Pollen
Dust mites
Certain foods
Insect stings
Mold
Mold is a common trigger for allergies. There are small fungi like penicillium with spores that roam in the air like pollen. They are found indoors like in the bathroom or kitchen.
Symptoms: itching, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose.
Treatment: Allergy Immunotherapy
Pet dander
This is an allergy caused by animal sweat. Avoidance measures don’t help, you just have to remove the pet from your home.
Symptoms: itchiness, cough, itchy nose, watery eyes.
Treatment: Home HEPA filter, allergy immunotherapy.
Pollens
These are called seasonal allergies of hay fever. It is an allergic reaction to pollen.
Symptoms: watery eyes, nose, and mouth, wheezing, shortness of breath
Treatment: allergy shots.
Dust mites
They are tiny little organisms that live in dust, pillows, mattress, carpet. To manage them you can use dust mite encasement.
Symptoms: same as pollen
Treatment: hypoallergenic bedding, Home HEPA filter, allergy shots.
Certain food
Food allergies can be overcome in children as they grow. It occurs when your body develops an antibody for a specific food. Most common food allergies include peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts. Children can be allergic to food like milk, wheat, soy, egg, and peanut. A great way to manage this allergy is to stay away from the food you are allergic to.
Symptoms: itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling around the mouth, difficulty in breathing.
Treatment: oral immunotherapy
Insect sting
Insects like bees can sting you and cause a normal reaction like swelling, redness, and pain but if you are allergic to this sting it could lead to a more serious reaction. However, you should take medication immediately especially if you have a resting as it can be life-threatening.
Symptoms: swelling in the face, mouth, or throat, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, red rashes, and itching, rapid pulse.
Immediate treatment: epinephrine
Treatment: Venom immunotherapy
How to prevent allergies
The best way to get rid of these allergens is to prevent them. Another way you can prevent things that can cause allergies is by
1. Dehumidifying helps to remove moisture from the air hence reducing molds. You can use it in your bathroom as a wet place is a breeding place for molds.
2. Avoid foods that can cause you a food allergy.
3. If you have a pet, a dog, or a cat. Then you should bathe them regularly to avoid the spread of pet dander. Also, keep them out of your bathroom.
4. Always keep your home clean including your surroundings. This helps to prevent dust mites. You can put protective covers on your cushion and walls to prevent mites from entering.
5. Vacuuming also helps to filter air just like the HEPA filter. This will help prevent allergens.
6. Get rid of house plants as they make a great home for molds and dust mites.
How are allergies treated?
Although preventing allergens is the best approach to get rid of allergies, it may not completely stop the symptoms. Having allergic symptoms can make you feel ill.
If you are already experiencing some symptoms of allergy here are few medications you can take to reduce symptoms;
● Antihistamine (eg Zyrtec, Allegra, Xyzal)
● Decongestant nasal spray (eg Sudafed, Afrin)
● Antihistamine eye drops
● Corticosteroid nasal spray (Rhinocort, Flonase, Nasonex, cromolyn sodium).
● Asthma medications can also help reduce symptoms, they include inhaled steroids, inhaled bronchodilators, oral bronchodilator (theophylline)
You must consult an allergy doctor before you take any of this treatment.
Summary
You can not completely get rid of allergies. However, you can prevent your allergens and reduce symptoms, and as well treat them.
Ways you can get rid of them include taking allergy shots or immunotherapy, using hypoallergenic beddings, and a home HEPA filter. You must keep your surroundings clean to get rid of most allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, and insect stings. Avoid food that can cause you a food allergy.
If you have any symptoms of an allergy, please visit an allergy doctor for an allergy test.