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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Wet winter weather pelted almost the entire country this year, and while it seems that the snow season is over, the aftermath remains for allergy sufferers, especially those with sensitization to mold. With pollen season just around the corner, high levels of mold combined with pollen in the air can be a recipe for disaster for allergy sufferers.
Most allergy sufferers are polysensitized, and a combination of allergens in the air can lead to out-of-control allergy symptoms. For example, consider a person who is allergic to mold, dust mite, and pollen. When pollen season hits in spring, the cumulative effect of all the allergen exposure can push symptoms over the allergic symptom threshold. But this year, with the wet weather and increased mold levels, it’s expected that symptoms will arrive earlier, be more intense, and stay longer.
As a result, this year, it’s more important than ever to take control of spring allergy triggers early so you can minimize symptoms. To get outside and enjoy the longer daylight hours, recreation activities and warm weather, allergy sufferers should get smart about allergies now. Their sinuses will thank them later.
The first step is to determine precisely what allergies the patient has. Fortunately, allergy testing has evolved over the past few decades. Once, it meant subjecting oneself to uncomfortable and time consuming skin testing that couldn’t be done without a visit to a specialist.
Today, modern in vitro blood tests have made accurate and comprehensive allergy diagnosis quick, simple, and painless. Increasingly, primary care physicians including internists, family doctors, and pediatricians are using in vitro allergy tests to pinpoint their patients’ allergic triggers and provide better care. Armed with knowledge of the patient’s sensitizations, doctors can counsel for trigger avoidance, providing practical guidance on what steps should be taken to minimize exposure
In many cases, allergic trigger avoidance and targeted exposure reduction can have as dramatic an impact on allergic symptoms as even the most widely prescribed drugs. For example, the aforementioned patient who learns that she is allergic to mold, dust mite, and pollen can reduce her symptoms during pollen season by proactively reducing exposure to those indoor allergens that she can control. Allergic response is cumulative, so this patient who normally doesn’t have symptoms even though she is constantly exposed to dust and cat dander can see symptoms explode when pollen is suddenly present in the air. The good news is that by creating a safe sleep environment that reduces dust and mold, the patient might have less severe – or even no – symptoms during pollen season.
The patient’s allergic profile can also result in more precise prescribing by the primary care physician. And in fact some patients often find they are taking the wrong medications for their individual symptoms. For example, half of all rhinitis sufferers do not have allergic rhinitis. For these patients, today’s modern antihistamines simply won’t work and the solution is simple environmental changes because their symptoms may be caused by avoidable irritants such as smoke, perfume, chemicals, and the like.
Your primary care physician can better direct your care based upon the results of a blood allergy test. He or she can make recommendations on how to best control indoor allergens, clean better based upon your individual triggers, and take the right medication if and when necessary. In addition, knowing your allergic profile may indicate a need to consult with an allergy specialist.
In the meantime, here are some quick, simple tips you can do to take control allergens in your home, lessen symptoms and enjoy the season despite the expected abundance of pollen and mold. The following are types based upon a variety of the most common indoor allergens. Again, testing is paramount. The most important step is to find out what you are allergic to so that you can minimize exposure within the home.
Create a safe sleep zone – If you are allergic to dust mite or mold, encase your mattress, box spring and pillows in an allergen proof covering and wash sheets once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and build a barrier between you and other allergens while you sleep. If your bedroom is carpeted, consider hardwood floors as they hold less dust and mold. If a blood test finds you are allergic to pet dander, don’t let your animals sleep in your bedroom.
Consider buying HEPA Filters – If you use air conditioning, HEPA filters can help control moisture and keep outdoor allergens from entering the home. Newer model vacuum cleaners also use HEPA filters to help control the abundance of dust and mold from spreading in the air while vacuuming the carpet.
Simplify home décor – For those who have allergy to dust mite, take a no frills approach to decorating, particularly in the bedroom where you spend the most time. Dust mites are the most common indoor allergen and they hide in drapes, carpeting, pillows and stuffed animals. The less of those things that you’re surrounded by, the less dust mite allergen you’ll be exposed to.
Plug in a dehumidifier – The wet spring weather leaves moisture in the air that sneaks into your home. Common indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches and mold thrive in wet air, so a dehumidifier can lessen their prevalence in your home. If you use a dehumidifier, be sure to clean it once a month.
Be a smart cleaner – When doing your spring cleaning, wear a mask, especially if you are allergic to dust mite. Cleaning can kick up dust and throw it into the air. Be sure to wear a mask, and stay out of the room you have just cleaned for 20 minutes, as this will give everything a chance to settle.
Don’t forget about mold – Mold can hide in strange places, even those that you’re exposed to every day. Do a deep clean and examine places such as your refrigerator drip pan to be sure mold isn’t hiding from you.
Don’t bring outdoor allergens inside – Pollen is very difficult to avoid, as those who are allergic can attest, but you can reduce exposure by changing your clothes and washing your hair when you come inside.
The bottom line is that the information provided by today’s modern allergy tests helps doctors to provide personalized advice, counsel, and treatment plans to allergy sufferers based upon individual allergic triggers.
Today’s allergy tests are empowering consumers and helping doctors to direct and guide treatment. This fits with the themes in healthcare today of more personalized medicine, better informed consumers, and care increasingly provided by primary care physicians. As allergy testing continues to evolve, the power of this information will continue to enable consumers to be more knowledgeable and active participants in their own care.
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