Allergies can be miserable for everyone. It might be you that has the allergy. It might be a child or spouse that has the allergy. But no matter who suffers from the allergy itself, everyone else tends to suffer around them as well because of the shared space of discomfort. That’s why it’s so important to get your entire family ready for allergy season when it’s around the corner.
There are lots of different parts of this preparation. First of all, you need to recognize the symptoms of allergies. Second, you should be familiar with various kinds of treatment. Third, you need to understand the difference between food allergies and pollen allergies.
And finally, it’s important to be aware of medications, first as a way to combat allergy symptoms and second as something to avoid if a family member is allergic to that substance or treatment.
Recognizing Symptoms
Do you know what the symptoms of allergies are? They aren’t exactly the same as having a cold, getting a headache, or suffering other irritations. Allergies are very specific, and they need to be treated individually. If you’re not sure whether or not you or a family member is allergic to a kind of pollen, a specific food, or even a medication, it’s very important that you distinguish between all of them quickly. Some allergies are relatively benign, whereas others are deadly.
Treatment
When you are considering treatments for allergies, there are several different pathways you can choose. In some cases, you can get a shot before allergy season to prevent the worst symptoms. Other times you might take a daily or weekly medication.
Sometimes treatment involves staying indoors at certain times of the day or even during certain seasons. Another conventional treatment might be to wear a dust mask in certain specific environmental conditions or at certain locations.
Food Vs. Pollen
Allergy season usually has to do with tree pollen. But you also have to understand the ramifications of food allergies. Allergies can change over time, as well. Women can have different allergies when they are pregnant. Men can have different allergies as they get older. You might note symptoms of allergies in children when there were none before, simply because they have been around a different type of food or allergen in the air.
Medication
Especially when it comes to medication, allergic reactions can be deadly. If people are allergic to penicillin, it’s essential for doctors and hospitals to know that. The same goes for sulfa drugs. Make sure that you have these allergies on your medical record, so if you are ever treated, doctors will avoid giving you something that’s a known cause of distress.
