7 Ways to Prevent an Allergic Reaction
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is by taking a proactive approach. Here are seven ways you can help yourself avoid a reaction.
Allergies are a common occurrence in many people’s lives, with over?50 million Americans?affected yearly. Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust.
The body produces histamine, a chemical that triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, coughing, itching, or inflammation. Mild allergic reactions can be treated with over-the-counter medication (OTC) and home remedies. Severe reactions such as?anaphylaxis?require immediate medical attention.
While there is no cure for allergies, steps can be taken to prevent or lessen the severity of reactions. This comprehensive guide will take a closer look at the best ways of avoiding and controlling allergies.
Top 7 ways of preventing allergic reactions
1. Avoid allergens
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms in the first place. While this may not be possible in some cases, it is worth taking the time to identify your triggers and make changes to your environment or lifestyle to avoid them. Common allergens include:
If you’re allergic to pollen, try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high and keep windows and doors closed. If you have pet allergies, consider keeping your furry friend out of certain areas of the house. And if dust is your trigger, ensure to clean regularly and vacuum with a?high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter?to trap dust particles.
2. Have the necessary over-the-counter medication on hand
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it’s essential to have the necessary?over-the-counter medication?on hand before your symptoms start. An allergic reaction can be dangerous and even life-threatening, so it’s essential to be prepared. Common OTC medications used to treat allergies include:
3. Take prescription medication as prescribed
It’s essential to?take prescription medication?as prescribed, following the dosage and frequency instructions provided by your doctor. Take them as directed, even if you’re feeling better while avoiding your triggers as much as possible. Common?prescription drugs?used to treat allergies include:
4. Clean the house often
A clean house is a happy house, and it can also be a safe haven for those with allergies.?The aptly named dust mites?, one of the most common indoor allergens, thrive in dusty environments. These tiny creatures live off dead skin cells and are often found in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains.
To help control dust mites, vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter and wash bedding in hot water at least once a week. Dust surfaces with a damp cloth and avoid collecting clutter, which can trap dust and other allergens.
If you have pets, vacuum regularly to remove pet dander, which can trigger allergies. Keep them out of the bedroom and off upholstered furniture to further reduce allergens.
5. Keep windows closed during peak allergy season
While fresh air is always nice, keeping windows closed during peak allergy season can help reduce your exposure to pollen and other outdoor allergens. Pollen counts rise in the morning after dew dries and peak in the early afternoon before falling in the late afternoon and evening.
If you must open the windows, run a HEPA air filter to help remove pollen and other allergens from the air. When going out,?check the pollen count?for your area and stay indoors when it’s high.
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You can also wear an N95 respirator mask when outdoors to help reduce your exposure. Always shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen and other allergens from your skin and hair.
6. Read ingredient lists on packaged food
How often do you thoroughly read the ingredient list on packaged food? Or do you just skim it quickly before tossing the item in your cart? If you’re like most people, probably the latter. However, if you have food allergies, it’s essential to read the ingredient list carefully to avoid triggering a reaction.?Common food allergens?include:
Look for allergens in all forms, including:
When reading ingredient labels, pay attention to any “may contain” statements. These are voluntary and not required by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they alert you to the potential presence of an allergen, even if it’s not an ingredient. If you’re dining out, alert your waiter or waitress to your allergies and ask about the ingredients in each dish.
7. Use a nasal rinse
A nasal rinse is a simple and effective way to remove allergens, irritants, and mucus from the nose. Nasal rinses can be done with a neti pot (a small, teapot-like device) or a sinus rinsing device purchased from a pharmacy or online.
The?American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology?(AAAAI) recommends the following saline recipe:
1 Mix 3 teaspoons (about 1/2 tablespoon) of non-iodized salt with 1 teaspoon (about 1/6 tablespoon) baking soda.
2 Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiled or distilled water that has cooled to room temperature and dissolve completely.
3 Pour the solution into a clean neti pot or sinus rinse bottle.
4 Tilt your head to the side over the sink and place the spout of the neti pot or bottle just inside your upper nostril.
5 Allow the solution to flow through your upper nostril and out your lower nostril.
6 Repeat on the other side.
7 Do a nasal rinse once or twice a day or as needed.
Use sterile water to avoid contamination. Unsterilized tap water can introduce bacteria and other organisms into your sinuses, leading to infections.
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You can read the original article at https://www.rxspark.com/blog/ways-to-prevent-allergic-reaction
Recruitment Director at Taylor Hawkes Limited, placing Accountants in Practice in the UK and US / Bill Brace Recruitment, coaching jobseekers with the 5 Step Recruitment Bootcamp program.
2 年Good timing…