Allergies From hyposensitization to emergency pharmacy to natural remedies
allergies: What you can do about them!
Allergies are stressful and occur in more and more people. The extent of symptoms is variable and depends on the type of allergy.
While some people show only minor symptoms, for others even a wasp sting can be dangerous.
The allergy itself usually does not disappear after its occurrence, but there are many ways to alleviate the symptoms in the long term and thus live better with it.
Avoiding allergens as the best solution for allergies
To prevent allergy symptoms, avoiding allergens is the best solution. But it is always possible?
If you suffer from a flour allergy, for example, you can rely on flour alternatives when preparing meals.
If, on the other hand, you are allergic to wasp stings, there is hardly any way to completely prevent contact with the allergen.
The risk of coming into contact with the trigger is always there, especially in summer.
In this case, other solutions are needed, because the symptoms of the allergy can get worse from contact to contact.
If left untreated, you will not be able to influence the severity of the symptoms. While a healthy body is important for a balanced life, it cannot prevent an allergy either.
Hyposensitization in case of severe allergy
An insect venom allergy can be dangerous, because in an emergency it can lead to an allergic shock.
Since this form of allergy cannot be prevented by avoidance, hyposensitization is a popular form of therapy.
In this case, under medical supervision, you are administered the appropriate allergen to provoke a reaction of your body.
The purpose of the therapy is to accustom your organism to the triggering substance and thus prevent it from continuing to react with allergic symptoms.
Depending on the type of allergy, such hyposensitization can last for several sessions.
You should always have this form of confrontation therapy performed only by a doctor, although it would theoretically be possible to do it on your own.
The risk of having a strong reaction when consciously coming into contact with the allergen is too great.
Under medical supervision, your practitioner can ensure that you are provided with appropriate medication in good time.
Emergency pharmacy for allergy sufferers – the most important helpers always with you
As an allergy sufferer, it is essential that you always have an emergency kit at hand.
For insect bite allergy sufferers there are special pens to buy, which are prescribed by the doctor.
These contain an antihistamine and, in an emergency, can be injected directly into the bloodstream.
The kit can become vital in preventing an allergic shock.
If you have been stung by a bee or wasp as an allergy sufferer, you must immediately alert emergency services and take care of yourself with your kit beforehand so as not to jeopardize your long-term health.
For milder allergy symptoms, there are over-the-counter remedies that you should always have at home.
In the case of inhalation allergies, which include hay fever, saline-based nasal sprays are recommended.
For more severe symptoms, however, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone-based spray.
You can also use a nasal ointment to prevent allergens from drying out your nose, which can result in additional pain and irritation.
Systemic medication is only taken if you suffer from a strong allergy.
They are often sold in pharmacies without a prescription and have a clear indication.
For example, there are many active ingredients that work against the symptoms of grass and pollen allergies in summer.
However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor about the efficacy and tolerability of the medication for your individual symptoms before taking it for the first time.
Do not underestimate natural remedies and home remedies
There are some foods and natural remedies, which are said to have a high effect on allergies.
For example, eating a red onion every day is considered a good way to prevent histamine release on contact with the allergen.
It is also recommended to consume teas, especially herbal teas and nettle tea.
The latter has a strengthening effect on the immune system and can thus ensure that the allergy symptoms are milder.
Drinking plenty of fluids is anyway one of the most important tips in the treatment or reduction of allergies, because through an optimal fluid balance, produced histamine is diluted faster and excreted by the body again.
The production of interferon, a natural and endogenous protein, which gives new strength to the immune system, can be stimulated by the consumption of milk, buttermilk or natural yoghurt.
Interferon is considered to be the most important antagonist in the presence of allergies and can often significantly curb complaints in the area of the skin in particular.