How can I protect myself from allergens?
April 16, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Helma Ehrig and I have been suffering from allergies for some time now, which greatly affect my life. I have noticed that my symptoms, such as constant sneezing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing, mainly occur in specific situations that I associate with contact to allergens.
I live in a city where many people decorate their gardens with pollen-producing plants like grasses and flowers. I also feel that allergenic substances such as dust, mold spores, or animal hair are present in my apartment. Despite regularly ventilating and cleaning the rooms, my symptoms do not seem to improve.
I am worried that my allergies may worsen and further impact my well-being. Therefore, I would like to know what measures I can take to protect myself from allergens and alleviate my symptoms. Are there any specific tips for reducing allergens in the home or outdoors? What precautions can I take to better protect myself from pollen, dust, and other allergens?
I would greatly appreciate your expert advice to improve my quality of life and manage my allergy symptoms. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Helma Ehrig
Dear Mrs. Ehrig,
Thank you for your detailed description of your situation and your allergy symptoms. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from these complaints and that they are affecting your well-being. Allergies can indeed be very burdensome, but there are various measures you can take to protect yourself from allergens and alleviate your symptoms.
First and foremost, it is important to identify the exact allergens triggering your symptoms so that targeted measures can be taken. Your description suggests that pollen, dust, mold spores, and animal hair could be possible triggers for your complaints. It would be advisable to undergo an allergy test to precisely determine which allergens your body reacts to.
To protect yourself from pollen, for example, you can make sure to keep your windows closed during pollen season and change and wash your clothes and hair after spending time outdoors. Pollen filtration in the home can also be helpful. Dust and mold spores can be reduced by regular vacuuming, damp wiping, and airing out. Avoiding carpets and regularly washing bedding can also help minimize allergic reactions.
If pets are triggers for your allergies, consider banning them from the bedroom and brushing them regularly. Additionally, air-purifying plants in the home can help improve air quality.
In addition to reducing allergens in the environment, medication therapies such as antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays can help alleviate your symptoms. In severe cases, specific immunotherapy (desensitization) may also be considered.
It is important that you speak with an allergist to develop an individualized treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs. I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with an allergist in your area to receive an accurate diagnosis and discuss appropriate measures for treating your allergies.
I hope these tips help improve your quality of life and better manage your allergy symptoms. Feel free to ask further questions or request additional information. I am here to support you on your journey to better health.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann, Allergist
