Allergies That Won't Go Away With Medicine
Allergies are a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. When allergies strike, they can be irritating and uncomfortable, but they usually go away with medication or other treatments. However, in some cases, allergies may persist even with medication. This can be frustrating and may require additional steps to manage. In this article, we will discuss some of the allergies that won't go away with medicine and what you can do to manage them.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are among the most common allergies that people experience. They occur when the immune system overreacts to certain foods, such as nuts, dairy products, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can vary from mild to severe and can include itching, hives, swelling of the throat, and difficulty breathing.
While antihistamines and other allergy medications can help manage the symptoms of food allergies, they may not be enough to stop the allergic reaction altogether. If you have a severe food allergy, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector, which can be used in case of a severe allergic reaction.
If you have a food allergy, it is important to avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms. You should also read food labels carefully and be aware of cross-contamination in restaurants and other food service settings.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies, also known as seasonal allergies, are caused by allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. Symptoms of environmental allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion.
Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can help manage the symptoms of environmental allergies. However, in some cases, these medications may not be enough to provide relief. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can help reduce the severity of environmental allergies over time.
To manage environmental allergies, it is important to avoid exposure to allergens as much as possible. This may involve keeping windows closed during pollen season or using air filters in your home.
Animal Allergies
Animal allergies are caused by allergens such as pet dander, saliva, and urine. Symptoms of animal allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Antihistamines and other allergy medications can help manage the symptoms of animal allergies. However, if you have a severe allergy, you may need to avoid contact with animals altogether. This can be challenging if you have pets, but there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to allergens, such as keeping pets out of certain areas of your home and washing your hands frequently after touching animals.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are caused by contact with allergens such as latex, certain metals, and fragrances. Symptoms of skin allergies can include itching, redness, and swelling.
Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids can help manage the symptoms of skin allergies. However, if you have a severe allergy, you may need to avoid contact with the allergen altogether. This can be challenging if the allergen is something you come into contact with frequently, such as latex gloves.
If you have a skin allergy, it is important to identify the allergen and avoid it as much as possible. You should also talk to your doctor about alternative products that may be less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Conclusion
Allergies can be a frustrating and uncomfortable problem, especially when they don't go away with medication. If you have an allergy that persists despite treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about additional steps you can take to manage your symptoms. By identifying the allergen and taking steps to avoid exposure, you can reduce the severity of your symptoms and improve your quality of life.