MEDICATIONS CAN HELP

Fortunately, there are treatments available to ease symptoms and comfort those suffering from the above afflictions, including non-sedating antihistamines and nasal steroids, available under such commercially available names as Claritin-D or Allegra, both promoting sinus drainage.

If those treatments don’t work, it may be time for additional steps. Allergen immunotherapy is designed to stimulate the immune system and has side effects, including blood thinning, and should not be taken without strict supervision if there’s already a heart or lung condition.

Immunotherapy injections require a doctor visit once or twice a week for an injection in the upper arm that administers a tiny amount of the allergen – pollen, dust mites or bee venom, for example.

The doses increase and the time between shots gradually lengthens to the point where only a monthly visit may be required. The treatments usually start after the season for a particular allergy has passed, preparing the sufferer for the next event.

Your doctor will tell you if you are a candidate for immunotherapy. Occasionally, doctors may administer a test in which the nasal discharge is checked or a skin test is done to aid in diagnosis of the problem.

Because allergy-causing mold, spores and pollen are found practically everywhere, it’s hard to isolate yourself from their effects. But there are certain steps you can take that will help reduce exposure time and cause less irritation.