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Allergy Relief

An allergy occurs when the body overreacts to the things which don't typically cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens and the body overreacts to the allergens which causes the symptoms of allergies. The most common allergens include pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Most allergies occur in the spring, typically late April and May, and are often due to tree pollen. Allergies that occur in the fall, late August to the first hard frost, are often due to ragweed. Mold is a common cause of allergies and is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, damp basements, and window moldings. It may also be found in rotting logs, hay, mulches, compost piles, and leaf piles. This allergy is typically worse during humid or rainy weather.

Most allergy sufferers are able to find relief with over the counter drugs as most products on the market today offer excellent results. Often many generic products contain the same active ingredients as higher priced name brands. Your doctor may be able to recommend a less expensive generic version of the allergy medication or the pharmacist at your local drugstore may be able to offer advice. Some allergy medications are best to be taken before exposure to an allergen. This can allow the antihistamine to get into the system before exposure which may reduce or eliminate the resulting reaction.

One treatment for people with allergies is injections of small amounts of the substances they are allergic to. This is called immunotherapy. Over time as the dose is increased, the patient becomes less allergic to the allergens because the body becomes more tolerant to the offending substances. The symptoms, including sneezing and watery eyes, along with the need for allergy medication, are reduced or disappear completely. People of any age may develop allergies, but heredity and allergen exposure are important influences in whether allergies develop. In addition to treating pollen allergy from trees, weeds, and grasses, immunotherapy is also used to treat allergies to house dust mites, molds, pets, and stinging insects. Allergies may also decrease with age.

Medications such as pills or nasal sprays are often used to treat allergies. While medications may help to control the allergy symptoms, including sneezing, headaches, or stuffy nose, they are not a cure and will not make the tendency to have an allergic reaction to completely go away. Many effective medications are available to treat common allergies and are available by prescription or over the counter. Allergy shots are referred to as allergen immunotherapy and by receiving injections of small amounts of an allergen, the body gradually develops antibodies that help block the reaction caused by the substances to which the sufferer is allergic. Immunotherapy is only recommended for specific allergies, such as things they may be inhaled or insect allergies. Immunotherapy does not help with certain allergies, including food allergies. Anyone diagnosed with allergies should contact their doctor as treatment methods have been greatly improved and may eventually be prevented altogether someday.