If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and throat – allergies can really put a damper on your day. When nighttime comes, your allergies may worsen and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Not being able to breathe normally and sleep well is a recipe for poor health and quality of life.
Allergy sufferers should get their allergies under control if they want to have a normal life. In this blog, we give 5 suggestions for getting your allergies under control, so you can focus on enjoying life once again.
1. Avoid Your Triggers
Most people can determine what their allergy triggers are, because it is fairly easy to deduce what causes their symptoms. However, for those who are unsure what their allergy triggers are, an allergist can perform allergy testing to give you a confirmed diagnosis. Common allergens include dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and certain foods and chemicals. Once you know what your triggers are, take steps to avoid them as much as possible, especially if you do not have a treatment plan for your allergies yet. Eliminating allergy symptoms is achievable when you successfully avoid your triggers.
2. Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier works to remove allergens from the air. For greater efficacy, choose an air purifier that has high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which can significantly improve indoor air quality by trapping many airborne allergens before they have a chance to circulate through your living space. Some even come with built-in noiseless technology for quiet operation while you sleep.
3. Control Indoor Humidity
By reducing the amount of moisture in the air, dehumidifiers can help reduce the growth of mold and mildew, which are common triggers for allergies. Additionally, dehumidifiers can help reduce dust mites, another common allergen. If you are allergic to such things, a dehumidifier can be an excellent tool.
4. Take Antihistamines
Over-the-counter allergy medicationseffectively bring relief to people suffering from allergies. Antihistamines can relieve a variety of symptoms, from sneezing and watery eyes to hives and itching. However, before taking these medicines, consult an allergist first, especially if you are taking other medications for chronic medical conditions – or if you are unsure whether you truly have allergies or not.
5. See an Allergist
One of the best things you can do to control your allergies is to see an allergy specialist. An allergist, who is an expert in all things allergy-related, can give you specific solutions, prescribed medication, or advanced allergy treatments to help get your allergies under control. Over time, your treatment plan may need to be updated. Seeing an allergist on a regular basis will help you continuously manage your allergies, so you can enjoy long-term relief from symptoms.
Expert Allergy Treatment in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown ENT, we have a board-certified ENT for your allergy treatment. Dr. Scott Franklin is an ear, nose, and throat specialist with special training in sleep medicine and allergies, which makes him uniquely qualified to treat allergies that cause breathing and sleep difficulties.
Schedule your appointment with Georgetown’s most knowledgeable and compassionate allergy doctor today. Call our office at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
Dr. Franklin and the rest of our team see patients from all over north Austin, including Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, and Serenada.
