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Treating People with Allergic Diseases
Doctors use three general approaches to helping people with allergies:
advise them on ways to avoid the allergen as much as possible, prescribe medication to relieve symptoms, and give
a series of allergy shots. Although there is no cure for allergies, one of these strategies or a combination of
them can provide varying degrees of relief from allergy symptoms.
Avoidance
Complete avoidance of allergenic pollen or mold means moving to a place
where the offending substance does not grow and where it is not present in the air. But even this extreme solution
may offer only temporary relief since a person who is sensitive to a specific pollen or mold may subsequently develop
allergies to new allergens after repeated exposure. For example, people allergic to ragweed may leave their ragweed-ridden
communities and relocate to areas where ragweed does not grow, only to develop allergies to other weeds or even
to grasses or trees in their new surroundings. Because relocating is not a reliable solution, allergy specialists
do not encourage this approach.
There are other ways to evade the offending pollen: remaining indoors in the morning, for example, when the outdoor
pollen levels are highest. Sunny, windy days can be especially troublesome. If individuals with pollen allergy
must work outdoors, they can wear face masks designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching
their nasal passages. As another approach, some people take their vacations at the height of the expected pollinating
period and choose a location where such exposure would be minimal. The seashore, for example, may be an effective
retreat for many with pollen allergies.
Mold allergens can be difficult to avoid, but some steps can be taken to at least reduce exposure to them. First,
the allergy sufferer should avoid those hot spots mentioned earlier where molds tend to be concentrated. The lawn
should be mowed and leaves should be raked up, but someone other than the allergic person should do these chores.
If such work cannot be delegated, wearing a tightly fitting dust mask can greatly reduce exposure and resulting
symptoms. Travel in the country, especially on dry, windy days or while crops are being harvested, should be avoided
as should walks through tall vegetation. A summer cabin closed up all winter is probably full of molds and should
be aired out and cleaned before a mold-sensitive person stays there.
Around the home, a dehumidifier will help dry out the basement, but the water extracted from the air must be removed
frequently to prevent mold growth in the machine.
Those with dust mite allergy should pay careful attention to dust-proofing their bedrooms. The worst things to
have in the bedroom are wall-to-wall carpets, venetian blinds, down-filled blankets, feather pillows, heating vents
with forced hot air, dogs, cats, and closets full of clothing. Shades are preferred over venetian blinds because
they do not trap dust. Curtains can be used if they are washed periodically in hot water to kill the dust mites.
Most important, bedding should be encased in a zippered, plastic, airtight, and dust-proof cover.
Although shag carpets are the worst type for the dust mite-sensitive person, all carpets trap dust and make dust
control impossible. In addition, vacuuming can contribute to the amount of dust, unless the vacuum is equipped
with a special high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Wall-to-wall carpets should be replaced with washable
throw rugs over hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors. Rugs on concrete floors encourage dust mite growth and should
be avoided.
Reducing the amount of dust mites in a home may require new cleaning techniques as well as some changes in furnishings
to eliminate dust collectors. Water is often the secret to effective dust removal. Washable items should be washed
often using water hotter then 130 (degrees) Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will not kill dust mites. If the water
temperature must be set at a lower value, items can be washed at a commercial establishment that uses high wash
temperatures. Dusting with a damp cloth or oiled mop should be done frequently.
The best way for a person allergic to pets, especially cats, to avoid allergic reactions is to find another home
for the animal. There are, however, some suggestions that help lower the levels of cat allergens in the air: bathe
the cat weekly and brush it more frequently (ideally, this should be done by someone other than the allergic person),
remove carpets and soft furnishings, and use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency filter and a room air cleaner
(see section below). Wearing a face mask while house and cat cleaning and keeping the cat out of the bedroom are
other methods that allow many people to live more happily with their pets.
Irritants such as chemicals can worsen airborne allergy symptoms and should be avoided as much as possible. For
example, during periods of high pollen levels, people with pollen allergy should try to avoid unnecessary exposure
to irritants such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, is the only available treatment
that has a chance of reducing the allergy symptoms over a longer period of time. Patients receive subcutaneous
(under the skin) injections of increasing concentrations of the allergen(s) to which they are sensitive. These
injections reduce the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood and cause the body to make a protective antibody called
IgG. Many patients with allergic rhinitis will have a significant reduction in their hay fever symptoms and in
their need for medication within 12 months of starting immunotherapy. Patients who benefit from immunotherapy may
continue it for three years and then consider stopping. Although many patients are able to stop the injections
with good, long-term results, some do get worse after immunotherapy is stopped. As better allergens for immunotherapy
are produced, this technique will become an even more effective treatment.
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Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
was established to treat allergy, asthma, and immunologic disorders. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has board certified physicians who have
extensive experience in treating adults and children with allergic diseases.
Click HERE now to request an appointment with a doctor nearest you.
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