Verified by Dr. Neeraj Suri
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist - MBBS, MS
In the past, Evara Hospital, Ahmedabad was listed as one of the 100 most difficult places to live in if you suffer from allergies. The list is part of a regular report published by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. The ranking considers factors like the amount of pollen in the body and the use of medications.
Of course ,this ranking of the top 100 should come as no shock to Triangle residents who have to endure allergy season, which is characterized by nasal congestion and sore throats. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. Over 50 million Americans suffer from a nasal allergy. Within the U.S., allergies are the sixth most common reason for chronic illness, which is an estimated $18 billion worth of health-care costs.
Some allergies can be dealt with by taking a simple, over-the-counter medication however, this isn’t always effective. Furthermore, allergies could create the conditions for other diseases like chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. If you’re one of thousands of Evara Hospital residents who are suffering due to allergies, we’ve designed this step-by-step treatment guide.
What are the causes of allergies?
Allergies are triggered by allergens. Allergens are substances that cause reactions that cause an allergic response. The people who live near North Carolina are all too familiar with allergies. Pollen trees, grasses, pet dander, and weeds.All of them can trigger reactions that are allergic. There’s also the genetic element involved. If you suffer from allergies, then your children are more likely to be affected also. There are many allergens. However, the most prevalent are:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Mold
What happens when you experience the course of an allergy?
Imagine your system’s immune defense as a body’s security guard. When an allergen invades your body, the “security guards” activate full-on attack mode to ward off the invader of allergens. Your body’s immune system will remember the allergen. If the allergen is present again, it immediately enters “red alert” mode.
Your body produces histamine which is the cause of common symptoms of allergies such as:
- Sneezing
- Eyes that are itchy or watery
- Nose irritated and runny
- Sore throat
- Hive
- Stuffy nose
You may have heard of this series of symptoms known as “hay fever.” The following are helpful tips to guide you as you look for treatment for your chronic allergies.
The first step is to take a close look around your surroundings.
Do you realize that a myriad of allergens may be residing within your home, waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack? Many blame the great outdoors or the high levels of pollen for their issues, frequently those who are allergic in the home can be equally a source of concern.
Consider this: If you’ve ever gone out to pick up your mail, you come back with tiny bits of pollen on the bottoms of your shoes, which then get spread across your living space. If you take your dog out for a walk, the pollen gets lodged in the fur. If Fido is jumping onto the couch, pollen lands on the bed along with him.
In addition, if you haven’t washed your bedding for more than a week, you could be accidentally putting out the welcome mat to dust mites.
As simple as getting rid of dusty magazine piles on your coffee table could lower the chance of getting in contact with the allergens.
Although no home is totally allergy-free but you can greatly make your home more allergy-friendly by:
- Use dust-mite-proof covers for your mattress
- Purchase curtains that are washable
- Window curtains should be closed during the allergy season.
- Remove your shoes prior to walking around the home
- Furniture that is simple to maintain
- It is important to bathe your pet frequently
- Cleaning and treating toys for a clean environment
Your child is likely to have an animal that is their favorite the like, and it is important to be aware of the fact that these toys can carry dust mites that can aggravate allergy symptoms in children. It is good to know that they can be removed by putting them into the freezer for up to 24 hours. This will kill dust mites. To keep the number of dust mites in check, recommend that you do this every month.
Mold is a different cause of allergies in the home. Here are some suggestions to help you stay clear of indoor mold exposure:
- Limit the number of indoor plants you have in your home.
- Repair leaky pipes.
- If you notice areas of moisture, make certain to take care of the issue promptly.
Step 2: Make an appointment of a throat and nose doctor close to your home.
While allergy medications over the counter are readily accessible, it is still recommended to visit an ENT. Why?
Sinus issues don’t have to be caused by allergies. The endoscopic sinus issues could result from problems with the structure or infection. Maybe you have a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyp. If that’s the case, these problems can cause your discomfort.
The only way to determine the cause of your allergies is through an ENT can identify the main source of your allergies. The ENT department at Evara Hospital Ear Nose and Throat We’ve been providing allergy treatments within Ahmedabad in Ahmedabad for Triangle patients for over 50 years. We’ve also set up a Sinus and Allergy Center situated in Ahmedabad to offer the best quality of care and ease of access for our patients.
Step 3: Determine which allergic reaction is causing your issue.
It is possible to think that you are sensitive to a certain thing until you discover that it’s an entirely different thing. Your doctor might recommend an intradermal titration test to definitively identify the root of your problem. Through this procedure, the skin is exposed to the most frequent allergens and examined to determine if any allergic reactions occur.
Step 4: Determine whether you’re a suitable potential candidate to receive immunotherapy.
Nobody wants to take allergy medication all year round. For those with all-year-round allergies, this might appear as the only option. However, immunotherapy is an alternative that is viable.
During immunotherapy–sometimes called “allergy shots”– your body is exposed to a tiny amount of the allergen that is causing your problems. As time passes, your doctor gradually increases the dose so that you can “train” the immune system so that it can build an tolerance.
Step 5: Talk about the options for immunotherapy.
If you’re not a fan of needles, you could be a suitable candidate to receive sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT uses the same method as standard immunotherapy, but the allergens are diluted and delivered through drops that are placed beneath the tongue for 2 minutes prior to taking them in.
SLIT has many advantages. It is a fantastic option for kids as well as for those who travel often. It’s even better that it’s a procedure that can be performed at the comfort of your own home. Our doctors of ENT will be happy to talk with you about SLIT and help you decide which is the best treatment option for you.
Step 6: Perform the predetermined steps.
It’s a simple concept, however, allergy treatment in Ahmedabad will not work when you’re not committed to the treatment. In general, patients begin to notice the advantages of treatment after 6 months, but this can differ from person to person.
While it is an extremely efficient treatment, it takes multiple visits in order to reap the full advantages. We strive to make this procedure as easy as we can for our patients. However, be aware that it is a long-term treatment, so don’t expect immediate results.
Step 7: Continue to follow up with your physician.
It is essential for you to make sure that the ear, nose, and throat doctor closely monitors your improvement. They will also have complete background medical information, and this could be crucial if you are suffering from any upcoming infections or other conditions.
It’s not necessary to be suffering from seasonal allergies. The seasons of spring and autumn are two of the most stunning seasons that you can find in the Triangle. Don’t let allergies hinder the enjoyment you get from your favorite outdoor activities. Contact us to discuss your concerns. The throat, ear and nose doctors will be delighted to assist with your needs.