Allergies are uncomfortable and interrupt your daily life in the summer. They’re even more irritating if you don’t know what you’re allergic to, as you aren’t sure what to avoid. That’s where an allergy diagnosis comes in.
Why Allergy Diagnoses Matter
Like any diagnosis, allergy diagnoses provide clarity. Now you can be sure what is causing your symptoms and take active steps to avoid those triggers. To diagnose an allergy, you’ll need to schedule an allergy test with an allergist. This test will expose you to small doses of common allergens to see which ones cause a reaction.
Also, like any diagnosis, your allergy diagnosis is just the beginning.
Discussing Treatment Options
Once you have your diagnosis, you and your allergist can discuss treatment options that work for you, your allergies and your lifestyle. You may discuss things like:
- Making allergy-friendly swaps. You may want to switch the pillows on your bed for hypoallergenic pillows, or upgrade your vacuum to one with a HEPA filter. Swaps like these can manage the allergens that get stuck in your environment.
- Monitoring pollen count. Many people don’t know that the local weather forecast will include a pollen count alongside temperature and expected precipitation. Keeping an eye on this forecast can help you plan for the day ahead, such as staying inside on a high-pollen-count day or taking face masks and quick-relief medications with you.
- Medications. Medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, are common ways to deal with allergies. Half of all allergy sufferers use antihistamines, such as Zyrtec or Benadryl, to help with their symptoms. If OTC antihistamines aren’t doing the job for you, we can discuss prescribing stronger antihistamines or other allergy medications.
- Allergen immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term allergy treatment plan that desensitizes your immune system to its triggers, meaning your body will naturally relax in its reaction to the allergens you’re sensitive to.
Planning for Emergencies
If your allergies are especially severe or even life-threatening, it’s important to create an emergency plan. Anaphylaxis, for example, is potentially life-threatening and can occur within seconds of exposure. Your allergist will help you recognize the signs of danger and create an emergency plan. This may include:
· Emergency medications, such as an EpiPen
· Seeking emergency medical care
· How to communicate your allergies and the dangers to workplaces, schools and caregivers
Ongoing Care
Your relationship with your allergist doesn’t end the second you have your diagnosis. Instead, we’ll make these plans with you and check in frequently to discuss what’s working, what’s not and any potential changes in your allergy symptoms. We provide customized allergy care for you, and we want to make sure you find ongoing, long-term relief from your worst symptoms.
If you’re ready to receive your allergy diagnosis and begin long-term care with our licensed allergists, call Carolina Pines ENT today to make an appointment.