There are many ways to get your allergies under control. Our allergists can help!
Allergies can leave you with itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, and a persistent cough. Anyone dealing with allergies may feel exhausted by their symptoms. If you want to prevent these dreaded allergy symptoms from dictating your day, you may want to turn to our Fort Worth, TX, allergists to learn more about your treatment options.
When it comes to managing your allergy symptoms, most treatment plans will involve a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle Changes for Allergy Relief
It’s important to know your triggers so that you can avoid exposure. You can create a space that is safe for your allergy symptoms by simply:
- Vacuuming and disinfecting surfaces in your home daily
- Using asthma and allergy-friendly bedding
- Washing bedding at least once a week
- Bathing pets at least once a week
- Avoiding smoke
- Keeping windows and doors closed on high allergen days
- Monitoring Southlake and Fort Worth outdoor allergen count (stay indoors on high pollen counts)
- Immediately washing clothes and taking a shower after being outside
- Wearing a mask to avoid exposure to grass pollen if you plan to work outside
- Using a neti pot weekly to clear out mucus and bacteria from the sinuses
Medications to Treat Allergies
There are both over-the-counter and prescription medications that can be used to alleviate allergy symptoms. If you are dealing with milder symptoms, over-the-counter medications may be all you need. Those with more serious allergy symptoms may require more aggressive treatment options. Medications to treat allergies include:
- Decongestants: can improve nasal breathing by alleviating a stuffy nose
- Antihistamines: treat sneezing, runny noses, and hives (best for indoor and seasonal allergies)
- Nasal sprays: corticosteroid nasal sprays can alleviate itchy, stuffy, and runny noses
- Steroid creams: these creams can be applied directly to the skin to treat rashes and hives
- Oral corticosteroids: this strong medication can be used to treat severe allergic reactions and swelling
If you have severe or unresponsive allergies that aren’t alleviated with medication, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy or allergy shots.
When to See an Allergist
If you’re able to get your allergies under control with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes then you may not need to seek medical attention; however, if your at-home medications and treatments aren’t effective enough, then it’s time to see our Fort Worth, TX, allergists about more allergy treatments. Any symptoms such as wheezing, persistent cough, or chest tightness could be signs of asthma and need to be evaluated by an allergy and asthma specialist right away.
If you’re struggling to find the right allergy treatment for you, our allergists provide comprehensive allergy testing and treatment to the Southlake, and Fort Worth, TX, areas. To schedule an evaluation with us, call The Texas Regional Asthma and Allergy Center at (817) 421-0770.