Approximately on in six Americans suffers from some sort of allergy. Allergies can cause all sorts of adverse reactions. These can include milder symptoms, such as a rash, watery eyes, a runny nose or itchiness, or more serious issues, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, which causes the throat to swell up and make it difficult to breathe. The exact treatment recommended will depend on the type of allergy and the symptoms experienced.
Avoidance
The first step to treating Allergies in Bethlehem PA is, typically, to avoid the allergen, although this may be difficult, if not impossible, in the case of pollen, dust mites, and other environmental allergens. Using an air cleaner that includes a HEPA filter and keeping pets out of the bedroom can help limit exposure to animal dander when a person isn’t willing to give up a beloved pet, and removing carpets and using encasements over pillows and mattresses can help limit exposure to dust mites. Even when a person attempts to avoid an allergen, sometimes they can accidentally be exposed and experience a reaction, so people should also be prepared with other treatment options.
Injectable Epinephrine
Those who tend to have serious reactions when exposed to their allergen, which is sometimes the case with certain food allergies or with insect stings, often get prescribed injectable epinephrine to carry with them so they can start treatment immediately should a bad reaction occur. This doesn’t mean they don’t need to get further medical care, but it can be a lifesaving treatment alternative.
Immunotherapy
With insect sting allergies and allergies to animal dander, it’s possible to be treated with immunotherapy, which can help limit the risk that future reactions will be serious. This treatment for Allergies in Bethlehem PA is sometimes called allergy shot therapy, although there is also an oral version.
Medications
Some of the symptoms of allergy exposure can be treated with medications, although these don’t get rid of the allergy. Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, as well as certain asthma medications, may be prescribed by doctors to help deal with allergy symptoms. These types of medications are commonly used in cases of seasonal allergies and hay fever caused by exposure to pollen.
Visit for more information on how to deal with allergies. Proper treatment can make life so much more pleasant, and not obtain this type of treatment can be life threatening.