POLLEN COUNT
If you’re living with an allergy, you’re most likely familiar with the misery it brings –with how it can impair your work performance and render you unable to find enjoyment in your day-to-day activities.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep it from interfering with your quality of life. Consider these tips, so you can continue living your life without a hitch despite your allergy diagnosis.
Tip #1 Know Your Triggers.
The single best way to know what your triggers are is to get allergy testing. Your allergy doctor can do a skin prick test or patch test, a blood test, or an oral food challenge to pinpoint the source of your allergic reaction.
Common allergy triggers for patients with asthma or hay fever are environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, mold, and skin shedding of pests. Common food allergy triggers include soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. Insect sting allergies are usually triggered by honeybees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets.
Results of allergy testing help you know what to avoid and your allergy doctor to formulate an effective treatment strategy.
Tip #2 Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle, which entails making healthy food choices, exercising regularly, and sleeping well, can help prevent allergy flare-ups. When you are healthy and your stress levels are low, you have a much easier time managing your allergies. Studies also show that stress can worsen allergy symptoms and increase the frequency of allergy attacks.
Tip #3 Take Your Allergy Medications as Directed by Your Doctor.
Allergy medications come in various forms, some of which you take in the event of an attack, while others you take to prevent one. Follow your allergy doctor’s orders as to how you’re supposed to take them to maximize their benefits.
Tip #4 Read Food Labels and Be Careful When Dining Out.
If you have food allergies, you have to be hypervigilant about what’s found in your food. It is recommended that you read food labels and search for potential allergy triggers. When dining out, let the servers know of your allergies.
Allergy Doctor in Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Plainfield, IL
Our board-certified allergy doctors here at Oak Brook Allergists have made it a mission to help people living with allergies— even those with more than one type— handle their condition well. We can provide you with a tailored, effective allergy treatment plan to help you navigate life and thrive despite your diagnosis.
To schedule an appointment with one of our allergy doctors, call our clinic today at (630) 574-0460 or use our convenient contact form. We are eager to serve you at our location near you!
