Determining your triggers is the first step towards preventing allergies.
The World Allergy Organization estimates that the prevalence of allergies in the world's population is between 10 to 40 percent. You could be part of this statistic.
If you’ve noticed that your body adversely reacts to something—say, you suddenly get a rash, find it difficult to breathe, or start sneezing repeatedly—be sure to take note of your possible triggers and go see a doctor to find out if the symptoms you have been experiencing are allergy-related.
Here, we list down some of the most common allergens and the ways you can manage your symptoms or ultimately get rid of them.
Pollen
Pollen grains are tiny particles found in trees, grasses, and weeds, that easily get carried in the wind, making them among the top triggers of seasonal allergies. The type of allergy caused by pollen is often referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
Symptoms To Watch Out For: runny nose (sometimes, stuffy nose), repetitive sneezing, red and watery eyes, swelling around the eyes, itchy nose, ears and mouth
What You Can Do: There are a number of ways you can reduce your allergic reactions to pollen. The most obvious is to take your trusty allergy medicine. If you enjoy going out but are plagued by allergic rhinitis, it would be best for your to limit your time and activities outdoors when pollen levels are high. Keeping your windows closed, washing up thoroughly before going to bed, and wearing a mask when you’re heading out are also some preventive measures you can take to avoid getting an allergic reaction from pollen.
Animal Fur
If you have a pet at home, it could be a culprit of your allergies—no matter how cute it is. Dander is made up of microscopic flecks of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers such as dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
Symptoms To Watch Out For: Unlike other allergens, animal fur doesn’t cause an immediate reaction, meaning the symptoms it brings about take time to develop. These include sneezing, nasal congestion, as well as itchy and watery eyes.
What You Can Do: If you can’t avoid the animals that trigger your allergies, consult a doctor about how you can reduce your reactions and make sure to wash your pet regularly.
Mold
Another seasonal allergy trigger, molds are a type of fungi with spores tiny enough to be blown in the wind. They usually grow in moist and damp areas outdoors and in your house, so you might want to check on your bathroom or kitchen.
Symptoms To Watch Out For: runny nose, nasal congestion, repetitive sneezing, itchy and watery eyes
What You Can Do: The best way to stop mold from thriving in your home is to eliminate everything that can encourage its growth—damp wood, piles of leaves, and indoor plants with soil. You should also check on fixtures around your house for leaks.
Dust Mites
These minuscule critters feed on skin cells shed by humans. They thrive in warm and humid environments, and cling on items that easily collect dust such as carpets, rugs, furniture, and bedding.
Symptoms To Watch Out For: The symptoms of dust mite allergies are similar to those of pollen and mold allergies. However, if you have asthma, you may also experience difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and coughing.
What You Can Do: If possible, get rid of items in your home that collect dust, or, at least, keep them away from your bedroom. For your bedding, make sure to wash your sheets weekly in warm water. Using hypoallergenic pillows is also recommended for better sleep.
Food
From eggs and shellfish to nuts and milk, there are a lot of foods that can cause allergies to people. The severity of allergic reactions also highly vary, ranging from mild to potentially fatal.
Symptoms To Watch Out For: itching of the skin, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling in the mouth, lips, and face
What You Can Do: If you experience any of the symptoms above after consuming a particular food, it would be best to have a doctor check if it really was an allergic reaction, so you know what to avoid next time. If your reaction to food allergy is tolerable, take an anti-allergy medicine so you can treat yourself to something delicious worry-free!
When To Seek Emergency Care
While most allergic reactions are mild and can be remedied by over-the-counter medications, a type of allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock may be life-threatening and definitely requires immediate attention and treatment.
Don’t think twice to head to the emergency room right away if you experience the following upon getting in contact with a possible allergen:
- Swelling in your lips, tongue, throat, and face
- Trouble breathing and feeling like your throat is closing up
- Nausea and vomiting
For severe allergic reactions like an anaphylactic shock, you will be administered with medications to reduce your body’s allergic response and suppress the inflammation in your air passages to help relieve your difficulty in breathing. In the event that you stop breathing or your heart stops beating, you might receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Allergy Medication
For non-severe allergic reactions, always be ready with an antihistamine you can trust. Antihistamines like Loratadine block your body's production of histamine, the chemical that triggers allergy symptoms.
For fast-acting and long-lasting relief from allergies, take Allerta. It contains 10mg Loratadine, and is available in drugstores near you for only Php 22.50 SRP per tablet
ASC Ref No. U013P042320AS
