Allergies can have severe consequences, making you feel miserable and interfering with your plans and activities. However, some simple strategies, including lifestyle changes and proper care and treatment guidance from your otolaryngologist, could help you manage your allergy symptoms effectively.
Let’s look at how to maximize your allergy treatments and where you can go for allergy treatment in Georgetown, Texas.
1. Know What Allergy Symptoms Are
Allergy triggers are the substances around you that provoke the iconic seasonal symptoms of a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. Or, if you are allergic to certain foods or medications, you may be subject to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and more.
2. Avoid Your Triggers and Their Subsequent Symptoms
How do you avoid these problems? The first step is to identify them by keeping a journal of your allergic reactions and what you think may have set them in motion. The second step is allergy testing with your ENT throat specialist. Skin prick tests introduce tiny amounts of possible allergens under the skin, producing red bumps, which the doctor observes and interprets. The doctor also uses blood tests to identify allergic triggers.
With this knowledge, you can avoid pet dander, mold, peanuts, grass pollen, or other substances that make you symptomatic. Is this really possible?
It is if you:
- Wear a mask when cutting the lawn and doing other yardwork
- Close your windows on high pollen days and stay inside
- Use a room or HVAC allergy filter
- Wash your clothes and take a shower after coming in from the outdoors
- Read ingredient labels before purchasing and consuming processed foods
- Vacuuming and dusting your indoor environment frequently
- Keeping pets out of the bedroom
- Using sensitive skin/no fragrance laundry products and bathroom soaps
3. Eat a Nutritious Diet
Of course, you need to avoid the foods you are allergic to. This can be tricky; however, start reading food labels carefully to check ingredients. And, if you are very sensitive to certain foods, ask how your menu choices are prepared when eating at restaurants.
Additionally, increase your intake of Vitamin C. It is a natural antihistamine, as are supplements called probiotics. Ask your ENT doctor for recommendations suited to your allergies.
4. Follow Your Treatment Plan to the Letter
That means the following:
- Take your medications–antihistamines, corticosteroids, or bronchodilators–as your doctor directs
- Prepare yourself for allergy season by starting your over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants before the pollen count gets really high
- Carry your Epi-pen with you in case of an anaphylactic reaction to a food or insect sting
- Get to the office for your routine allergy shots or use your at-home immunotherapy drops as directed
- Keep track of your symptoms in a written journal or on your phone, and report changes to your ENT specialist right away
Excellent Allergy Care from Your Allergist in Georgetown, Texas
If your allergy symptoms are severe and persist despite the aforementioned measures, don’t hesitate to see Dr. Franklin at Georgetown Ear, Nose and Throat Center.Dr. Scott William Franklin and his allergy team are here to help you identify your allergens and plan successful ways to maximize your health and well-being.
To arrange your in-person consultation with Dr. Franklin, call us today at (512) 869-0604 or use our online appointment request form. We are ready to serve your otolaryngology needs.
