When you have allergies, your body's defense system (immune system) reacts to certain things that are in the air you breathe or that you touch, like dust or pollen. These things are called allergens and they can trigger an allergic reaction.
If you have allergy symptoms, your doctor may do a skin test to find the cause. To do this test, your doctor puts some possible allergens on your skin to see which ones cause a bump. This shows what you are allergic to.
There is no cure for allergies. But you can manage the symptoms and avoid things that trigger the allergies.
For severe allergies that cause reactions that affect your whole body (anaphylactic reactions), your doctor may prescribe a shot of epinephrine for you to carry in case you have a severe reaction. Learn how to give yourself the shot and keep it with you at all times. Make sure it is not expired.
What causes allergies?
Common causes of allergies include:
- Pollens from trees, grass and weeds.
- Dust, dust mites, mold and pet dander (dead skin cells from a cat or dog).
- Cockroaches.
What are the symptoms?
Common allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing, especially in the morning
- A runny nose or mucus that drains down the back of your throat.
- Itchy or watery eyes.
- Itchy ears, nose or throat.
If you are allergic to pollens, you may have symptoms at certain times of the year.
If you are allergic to an indoor allergen, like dust, you may have symptoms all the time.
How can you avoid triggers?
Your doctor can help you find out what causes, or triggers, your allergies. Avoiding these things can help you prevent your allergies.
Here are some tips:
- Don't allow anyone to smoke in your home.
Pollen
- Try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Check online to find out the pollen levels in your area. If you can't stay indoors, it may be helpful to wear a mask when you are outside.
- Keep windows and doors closed. Avoid using a fan with an open window. If you have air conditioning, be sure to change or clean all filters regularly.
- Shower after coming indoors to help remove pollen from your hair and skin.
- Use over-the-counter saline washes to help wash allergens from your nose after going outside.
Dust and dust mites
- Dust, vacuum and mop your floors often. Consider getting rid of fabric drapes, fabric furniture and carpets, which collect dust. Start with the rooms you spend the most time in.
- Use an air cleaner with a special air (HEPA) filter and put a HEPA filter on your vacuum. Clean or replace filters regularly.
- Use dustproof covers on mattresses and pillow covers.
- Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets weekly. Use detergent, hot or warm water and a dryer if possible.
Mold
- Get rid of furniture, drapes or rugs that smell musty.
- Avoid gardening (especially working with compost), mowing the lawn or raking leaves.
- Clean bathtubs, showers and windowsills at least once a month. Do not use cleaning products, air fresheners or deodorizers that cause allergy symptoms.
- Seal off or avoid damp areas, such as crawl spaces, attics and basements.
- Keep outdoor gutters and drains clean to prevent water from building up and creating moisture inside.
- Make sure kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and your clothes dryer pull air outdoors. Keep the fans and vents clean.
- Try to stay indoors on days when mold counts are high.
- Shower after coming indoors to remove mold from your hair and skin.
Pet dander
- Keep your pet outside or at least out of your bedroom. Do not let your pet get on carpets or furniture.
- Often wash any rugs, pet beds or other places where your pet spends time. Make sure your dog gets regular baths.
- Use filters on air ducts and your furnace. This will keep animal dander from moving through the house. Use high-efficiency filters and clean and replace them regularly.
- Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum. Clean or replace filters regularly.
Cockroaches
- Use cockroach bait to get rid of them. Cockroaches like places where paper bags, newspapers or cardboard boxes are kept.
- Seal off places where cockroaches might get into your home.
Heat sources
- Avoid problems from heat sources by getting furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces and gas ranges checked every year.
- Don't use grills or portable camping stoves inside.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Can medicines help?
Medicines for allergies can help control your symptoms, so you feel better.
They include:
- Nasal sprays or pills to help with a runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms.
- Eyedrops, which can relieve itchy or watery eyes.
Children, older adults, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people who have other health problems should not take over-the-counter medicines without checking with a doctor first.
Always follow the directions on the label or package when you take medicines.
Immunotherapy
- If your allergies are severe or it is hard for you to avoid your triggers, immunotherapy might help you.
- For this treatment, you get shots or use pills that have a small number of certain allergens in them. Your body "gets used to" the allergen, so you react less to it over time.
- This kind of treatment may help prevent or reduce some allergy symptoms.
- To have this treatment, you first need to know what you are allergic to.
When to call your doctor
Give an epinephrine shot if:
- You think you are having a severe allergic reaction.
- You have symptoms in more than one body area, such as mild nausea and an itchy mouth.
- After giving an epinephrine shot call 9-1-1, even if you feel better.
Call 9-1-1 if:
You have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
- Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over your body.
- Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips or tongue.
- Trouble breathing.
- Passing out (losing consciousness). Or you may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused or restless.
©2007-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise disclaims any liability for use of this information, which does not replace medical advice.