How to Successfully Combat Allergies

With this time of year brings the reemergence of allergies. As one of the most common chronic conditions, allergies exist in many forms. Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing or coughing, and headache and fatigue are just some of the symptoms that can plague an individual suffering from allergies.

“Symptoms come from dust, pollen, dander, mold, and many other substances,” said Dr. Jack Cornwell, medical director of CareWell Urgent Care. “An individual’s body reacts to these materials in a negative way, triggering symptoms.”

One can never truly escape allergies. Let’s face it, dust is everywhere, mold is possible, for those with pets, dander is inevitable, and most can recall that certain time of year where pollen becomes inescapable, covering every car and lining the streets. Unfortunately, curing allergies is not a likely scenario. But management is.

“Managing your environment can help lessen the symptoms,” said Dr. Cornwell. “If you know the pollen count is high, shut your windows, dust often and shower after an extended period spent outdoors.”

There are other homemade remedies to try, such investing in local honey. Purchasing honey or bee pollen from one’s local farm could, theoretically, do the trick. By ingesting local honey, it is presumed that your ingesting local pollen and over time become less sensitive to it.

If drastically reducing allergy symptoms is the goal, homeopathic remedies may need to be coupled with something a bit stronger. So, allergy relief medication may be the partnership you’re looking for.

“Flonase, Mucinex, Zyrtec, Claritin and other basic antihistamines and decongestants are great if your symptoms become unbearable,” said Dr. Cornwell. “They work to reduce inflammation in nasal passageways and bring relief to itching, sneezing and runny nose.”

Medication is the fastest approach to getting the results you want. Especially if you already have a predisposition to seasonal allergies. Dr. Cornwell also recommends getting an allergy test to help identify specific triggers that you can then address individually.

Symptomatic management takes time to achieve success. Be patient and experiment with both homeopathic methods and over-the-counter solutions.