Most allergies can be controlled starting with careful management of exposure and then progressing to medications. If allergy symptoms are still a problem, immunotherapy is a viable option that can then be discussed.

Environmental Control 
There are many ways you can help yourself if you have allergies. Besides following your doctor or nurses directions carefully and taking your medication as directed, you can also avoid the things that cause your allergy symptoms.

• Pollen
  • found outside especially between 5-11am. Avoid by staying inside when pollen counts are high, keeping windows closed, and avoiding outdoor exercise.
  • use a HEPA filter that cleans the air, and call the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) AT (800)9-POLLEN for reliable weekly pollen and mold spore counts.
• Mold
  • can be dispersed into the air when you mow the grass or when raking leaves. Avoid by wearing a dust mask.
  • grows in damp, dark, humid areas. Clean the bathroom with mold/mildew remover, use a dehumidifier to keep humidity less than 50% and change the filters on air conditioner and furnaces often.
  • trim back bushes and allow sun to penetrate to kill mold spores.
• Dust Mites
  • 8 legged microscopic arthropods that feed on human and animal skin debris and live in mattresses, pillows, comforters, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains.
  • buy impermeable “dust mite” covers for BOTH mattresses and pillows
  • wash sheets and duvet covers in HOT water often.
  • open your windows to allow for ventilation
• Animals
  • shed small cells called dander from their hair, fur, and feathers. This dander remains in carpets and mattresses. Avoid by keeping pets outdoors and especially out of bedrooms, off furniture, rugs and mattresses. Bathe pets weekly if possible.

Medications 
Your doctor may prescribe allergy medications that may help prevent or treat your allergy symptoms. These medications include:

• Antihistamines-treat sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes.
• Decongestants-promote easier breathing and decrease nasal swelling.
• Steroid nasal sprays-treat nasal itching and congestion
• Decongestant nasal sprays-decrease nasal congestion
• Cromolyn nasal sprays-help prevent and treat allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy 
Allergen immunotherapy is a form of treatment aimed at decreasing your sensitivity to substances called allergens. There are two types of allergen immunotherapy: sublingual drops which can be administered at home and traditional allergy injections or shots. Immunotherapy helps 80-90% of people with allergies. Many patients consider themselves “cured” after completing the 3-5 year course of therapy. Your doctor can help you decide if allergy shots or drops would work for you. Immunotherapy should be used for people who:

• are allergic to an unavoidable plant or animal
• take large amounts of medicine to control symptoms but still have allergies
• have allergies that seriously affect daily life
• have lost days of work due to fatigue
• are willing to make a commitment to 3-5 years of therapy

Allergy immunotherapy may help you to: no longer need allergy medication, have fewer, milder, or no allergy symptoms, not have to visit your health care provider as often, and eventually lower medical costs.