Treatment

Taking an active role in managing your allergies is one of the best things you can do to make yourself more comfortable and prevent a serious allergic episode. Most of this management hinges on prevention - avoiding or limiting exposure to the substances that trigger your allergies. In most cases, avoiding the culprit is the single best approach. In some cases immunotherapy or allergy shots can keep your reactions to allergens at bay. Talk to your doctor about whether this preventive approach is appropriate for your situation.

Hay fever: Once a diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis is confirmed, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following approaches. First, education - teaching you how to steer clear of the allergen as much as possible. Second, medication - prescribing antihistamine medication, topical nasal steroids, cromolyn sodium, or recommending over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants. Finally, immunotherapy - giving you a series of allergy shots that can lessen symptoms over time.

Animal allergies: Sadly for animal lovers, the best treatment is avoidance. That means it's best to remove the cat or dog from the home. Immunotherapy may help - it appears to works best in preventing symptoms during occasional, unavoidable exposures. Allergens from pets tend to linger, so you may still have symptoms for up to six months after your last exposure to the animal. If you can't avoid exposure, minimizing it may help the situation.

Food allergies: As with other allergies, avoidance is the best medicine. A tiny amount of a specific food may be all that is required to set off an allergic reaction in a sensitive individual. Once you know you're allergic to a food, be on the alert: It may not be obvious that prepared foods contain the substance you're allergic to. Always read the label on processed foods. It's also wise to avoid similar foods - if you're allergic to lobster, crab may bring the same unhappy result. This is an example of cross-reactivity. Finally, be sure to alert others who prepare and serve your food of your allergies.