Allergies are among the most common diseases in the United States. The worst thing about allergies is that unlike other diseases, they can occur at any moment. So, essentially speaking, there is no precise time for you to visit an allergist doctor. You may have to do it at any point of your life.
There is a false misconception that only children suffer from allergies. Research has shown that adults are just as susceptible to developing allergies in a later part of their life, if not more. So, it is important for you to know what to do in case you start seeing symptoms of allergies.
Many people die from allergies because they do not now that they have one in the first place. In case you come across somebody who is suffering from an allergic reaction, it is very important to know what to do.
Giving them some immediate care while the doctor arrives can actually save their life and can prevent their condition from getting worse.
What is an allergic reaction?
Simply put, an allergic reaction is the body’s immune response, which considers outside particle as invaders. These are otherwise normal particles that pose no harm to the body. However, the immune system flares up as a response to these supposedly harmful substances.
These substances are known as allergens. In other words, an allergen is any substance that triggers an immune response in the body. As result of the overreaction to these substances, the immune system produces histamine.
Histamine results in coughing, sneezing, inflammation, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. So, histamine is the main culprit here that causes all the symptoms. And the best way to treat an allergic reaction is to take an antihistamine medicine.
How to treat an allergic reaction?
So, what are the ways to treat an allergic reaction? In this article, we put together all the common ways.
Antihistamines
As mentioned earlier, antihistamines work by blocking the effect of histamines that are produced during the allergic reactions. Hence, symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and sneezing get controlled.
While the immune response is still active, the symptoms go away, and a person returns to normal. This gives a person enough time to visit a doctor. There are many types of antihistamines available in the market.
Among these, the second-gen antihistamines include Zyrtec and Claritin. These are less likely to result in drowsiness. Whereas the first-gen antihistamines including Benadryl can cause drowsiness right away.
Nasal Decongestants
Since allergic reactions result in swollen sinuses, nasal decongestants can take away the inflammation and help the sinuses return to normal. In this regard, you can use sprays, liquids, and pills.
However, before taking any sort of nasal decongestant, make sure that you have taken the advice of doctors. Some underlying medical conditions may not make these decongestants suitable for you. So, the advice of a doctor is incredibly necessary before taking any sort of medicine.
Anti-inflammatory medicines
Other than the above-mentioned medicines, other anti-inflammatory medicines are equally beneficial in treating the effects of allergies. While some of these anti-inflammatory medicines are available over the counter, other medicines require the prescription of a doctor.
If you want to figure out which medicines to take and which to avoid, just reach out to your nearest allergy clinic. Talking to a doctor is the best of figuring out which medicines are suitable for you. The doctor will take a detailed look at your history of diseases and the current health condition, before prescribing any medicines to you. This is an incredibly important step and should not be skipped if you are serious about your health.
