Common triggers of allergies are found everywhere – not just outside, but also inside. Look around you:
- Does the place look dusty?
- When was the last time you changed your bedding, vacuumed the carpet, and cleaned the curtains?
- Do you keep your windows open, so outdoor allergens, pollution, and smoke particles are entering your home?
If so (to any of the above), your environment is probably triggering your allergies.
Environmental allergens include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, smoke, and harsh cleaning chemicals. We all come into contact with these types of allergens on a regular basis, and they are known to cause an allergic reaction in many people.
Let’s talk about some of the common symptoms of environmental allergies, how to minimize your exposure to environmental allergens, how your allergy can be diagnosed, and where you can go in Weatherford and North Texas to see an allergist who can help you take control of your allergies.
Why Do I Have an Allergic Reaction to My Environment?
Your allergy triggers are likely due to environmental allergens if you suffer from itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and occasional and brief shortness of breath. In an allergy, your body mistakes the allergen for something harmful and launches an immunological response by releasing histamines – which cause the blood vessels to dilate, allowing the white blood cells to move easily into them and attack the supposed foreign invaders (which are actually harmless).
As fluid moves out of the blood vessels, you experience symptoms of allergies such as watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, and skin swelling.
Treatment for allergies usually involves antihistamines, which block the histamine response and thereby prevent histamines from reaching the mucosal membranes. That is how antihistamines relieve allergy symptoms.
How Can I Avoid an Allergy?
Treatment for allergies also involves avoidance, which means minimizing your exposure to environmental allergens. Avoidance strategies include:
- Being aware of the day’s pollen count, and staying indoors as much as possible when the pollen is high
- Showering after returning home from spending time outdoors
- Keeping shoes in one area only, and avoiding tracking them throughout your home
- Changing bedding and cleaning curtains regularly
- Vacuuming weekly
- Keeping windows closed
- Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter
- Bathing pets regularly to reduce dander shedding
- Avoiding the use of cleaning products with harsh chemicals
- Keeping away from smoky areas
If your allergies affect your breathing, it would be best to see an allergy doctor for an evaluation and treatment. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening, but it can be prevented through proper allergy management guided by a medical doctor who is experienced in allergy treatment.
How Are Allergies Diagnosed?
The most commonly used methods for allergy testing are a skin prick test and a blood test. This, along with a review of your symptoms and medical history, helps the allergist to make a diagnosis and design a personalized treatment plan accordingly.
When it comes to allergy treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Allergists customize allergy treatment plans per patient to maximize effectiveness.
Trusted Allergist in Weatherford, TX
If you are looking for an allergy doctor in Weatherford for comprehensive allergy treatment, Dr. Olusegun Oseni at the Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas is here for you. Dr. Oseni is board-certified in internal medicine and pulmonary (lung) care, which makes him uniquely qualified to treat patients with environmental allergies.
Dr. Oseni takes his time to get to know you and to listen to your concerns, which are very important in creating a customized treatment plan. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Oseni, call our friendly staff today at (817) 594-9993 or use our appointment request form online. You don’t have to suffer from allergies any longer!
