What You Can Do To Help Yourself: Allergies

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

What you can do to help yourself

Most of the allergy treatments this report has discussed so far alleviate allergy symptoms. Currently, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) is the only available treatment that changes the way your immune system responds to allergens. But because shots are time-consuming and not without risks, patients and their doctors often choose not to use them for mild allergies. In addition, shots are not always effective, and there is controversy about their use in bronchial asthma.

When you look at the whole picture, the best way you can help shots and other allergy medicines do their job is to reduce your exposure to the things you’re allergic to. Of course, that’s not as simple as it sounds. Allergens are everywhere. Like sidestepping an annoying office workmate, avoiding your triggers depends on knowing where and when they’re likely to turn up and taking preventive steps. If it’s obvious that your trigger is strawberries and your symptoms are mild, you can take matters into your own hands and simply ban strawberries from your diet. But most people with allergies are allergic to more than one substance. If so, it’s probably worth your while to consult a doctor and plan a strategy for identifying and avoiding triggers as well as treating symptoms.

The most common allergic reaction is rhinitis — seasonal (hay fever) or year-round. The four major categories of allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis attacks are

• pollen

• molds

• dust mites and cockroaches

• pet dander.

Last updated:	August 21, 2006
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School