What To Do If You Suspect You Have Allergies

While over 100 million people in the US alone have allergies, not everyone is born with them, and they can develop as an adult, during childhood, or be present from birth. The only way to know you are truly allergic to something is to be exposed to the potential trigger. And, you can be allergic to thousands of different things. You can have pet allergies, be allergic to bee stings, severe food allergies, and common household materials and chemicals such as hair dyes and cleaning products

Talk to your doctor.

In the first instance, you should talk to your doctor if you are concerned you might have an allergy. Your doctor can arrange tests for you to identify if you are allergic to anything and exactly how you are allergic to it. Keep notes of any symptoms and potential triggers you voiced and how you feel. They can talk you through the allergy treatments available and get you started if needed. 

Know Your Signs 

Prevention is always better than a cure for allergic reactions, but knowing the signs and symptoms of an allergy attack can help you get the treatment you need fast. Some people only experience mild discomfort when coming into contact with their allergens, for others, it is an instant severe reaction that quickly becomes life-threatening. Know your signs, your triggers, and how best to help yourself. This is especially important if you have yet to be diagnosed, as medical professionals can use this information to analyze your allergy and treat your symptoms quickly.

Common allergy symptoms include;

• Runny nose or sneezing
• Pain or tenderness in or around your face, nose, and throat
• Bodily swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Itchy skin or rash
• Feeling sick

If you experience these symptoms, you should head to your doctor or pharmacist. In the event of more severe reactions, you should go to the nearest emergency room for immediate treatment.

Treatment Options

Some treatment options are available for people with allergies, from using an Epi-pen for more severe reactions, which can be life-saving, to using OTC allergy relief medication. Your doctor can advise you on the right type of medication for you. Be it antihistamines, topical creams for itch relief, desensitization, or immunotherapy to lessen the reaction or avoid the trigger altogether. You can work with them to help you develop a suitable treatment plan based on your lifestyle, specific triggers, and the severity of your reaction. From here, you can adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your allergy and live as healthy as possible.

It is vital that if you are diagnosed with an allergy, you take the proper steps to keep yourself safe. This can be via informing others of your allergy to reduce exposure, carrying around your medication should you need it, or being proactive in asking if your allergens are present in food or environments so you can make a more informed decision. Failure to do this can put you at risk of triggering an allergy, and you will likely suffer the consequences. Always remain vigilant regarding your allergies to ensure you are always prepared.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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