If your doctor has just told you that you are suffering from an allergy, it’s common to have plenty of questions, and you have every right to ask them so you can understand your condition better.
The best person to ask questions about allergies is an allergist specialist and when asking the questions, ask those that will shed more light on your condition.
Wondering which are the best questions to ask? Here they are:
Can allergies be cured?
If you have lived your entire life without medical issues, then one day, an allergy doctor drops the bombshell that your body is reacting to allergens, the first thing you want to know is whether you can be cured of the condition.
The unfortunate thing is that you can’t cure allergies, but you can treat and control the symptoms. One of the most effective ways to control the symptoms is staying away from the allergy triggers. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, you should avoid going outside when the pollen count is high.
You can also control the symptoms by taking the necessary medication. You simply need to visit your local allergy doctor, and they will recommend the best drug for your condition.
How do you know you are suffering from allergies and not a cold?
Both the common cold and seasonal allergies have almost identical symptoms, so it’s common to be confused whether you are suffering from a cold or allergies when the symptoms kick in.
The cool thing is that it’s easy to tell them apart when you are keen enough. Some of the things you should do include:
Pay attention to the patterns: While both conditions can cause congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headaches, and watery eyes, cold symptoms don’t have a pattern to how they develop. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, happen all at once.
Allergies aren’t contagious, so if all the symptoms come about at once and no other person in your family develops similar symptoms, you are most likely suffering from allergies.
Be on the lookout for the timing: How long does the condition last? Cold symptoms go away after 7-10 days, while allergies don’t have a set lifespan. They often go on as long as you are exposed to the allergen. The symptoms might ease when you get away from the allergy trigger, but they won’t go away.
Check your handkerchief: The act is gross, but the mucus will tell you everything you need to know. If having a cold, you will have a yellowish nasal discharge which shows you are suffering from an infection. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, result in a clear, thin, watery gunk.
Are allergic reactions dangerous?
Allergy is mild or moderate for most people, but in rare situations, the allergic reaction can be life-threatening. The most dangerous condition you can have is anaphylaxis that causes extreme swelling in the lungs and airways, making it hard to breathe and swallow.
The reaction also causes cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and mental confusion. When you are having anaphylaxis, you should get immediate medical attention to avoid losing your life.
Are there natural remedies to control allergies?
People have been taking honey and pollen for years to cure allergies, but there is no scientific evidence to support that natural remedies work.
Even if the remedies might work for some people, they might not work for you. To be safe and have peace of mind you are taking the right medication, find allergy doctor Manassas VA to advise you on the right medication to take. Remember, when consulting the doctor, ensure the doctor is certified and experienced enough.