Thursday, June 3, 2010

Back to Basics

It looks like Summer is here!  It's hot and humid and everything is green.  There are 4 basics of successful allergy management which I share with every patient. One is often overlooked.  Can you guess which one?
1. Avoidance - if you know what you are allergic to, and can reasonably avoid it, then cut your exposure.
2. If you get an allergeen in your nose, eyes or skin - wash it out (or off!).
3. Take your allergy medicine as directed.
4. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can build up your immunity so your allergy symptoms last for a shorter period of time and you may need less allergy medicine.

If you guessed (2), you are right!

Often overlooked, but can make a big difference.  If your eyes are itchy and burning, use a long-lasting lubricant eye drop which does not contain any drugs.  I have several good recommendations for my patients.
If your nose is itchy, and you are sneezing a lot, use saline nasal spray or a NetiPot to wash all the bad stuff out!