Different allergies can have similar symptoms, so it's easy to mix up one allergy with another. When allergies are left untreated or are not well managed, it can lead to more serious problems such as asthma. Hay fever, for instance, is often confused with dust mite or cat allergies because of the nature of its symptoms. However, they can have very different consequences if not treated properly in a timely manner. In this blog, we explain what the consequences of an untreated allergy can be and how you can limit or even prevent these consequences.
Identify allergy triggers and take appropriate action to keep symptoms under control
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What are the consequences of an untreated allergy?
Common allergy reactions include nasal blockage, a runny nose or burning eyes. It is also possible that some symptoms, such as breathing problems in asthma patients, are exacerbated by allergies. Allergic reactions can lead to sleep problems. A stuffy nose can make sleeping difficult, or even impossible. Lack of sleep can, in turn, affect your ability to concentrate during the day.
If an allergy is poorly treated or left untreated, this can make the symptoms worse. In the case of dust mite allergy, more than 40% of patients suffer from worsened symptoms. Dust mite allergy often develops during the first years of life. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to diagnose it in infants and young children.
Is there anything I can do to alleviate my allergy symptoms?
Allergies cannot be prevented, but you can reduce the chance of an allergic reaction. For most allergies, avoiding contact with the allergen is the best solution. Therefore, it's important to know which substance is causing the reaction. You can make an appointment with your doctor to get tested. If you know what you are allergic to, your allergy can be treated timely and effectively. Here are some tips to make your allergy more bearable:
- Air your home daily.
- Avoid exposure to allergens (the substances that cause an allergic reaction) as much as possible.
- In case of a pet allergy, you should keep your pet out of your bedroom.
- Clean your home regularly.
- Wash duvets and curtains at 60 degrees Celsius.
- Purchase a hypoallergenic mattress.
- Damp mop floors daily.
- Run saltwater or a pre-made saline solution through your nasal passages.
- Put a cold, damp washcloth on your eyes to reduce redness and itching.
How are allergies treated?
The three most effective ways to treat allergies are:
- Reducing and preventing exposure to allergens.
- Managing the symptoms.
- Allergy immunotherapy, a treatment that treats the causes of allergic responses.
If it is not possible to avoid exposure to the substances to which you are allergic, you can ask your doctor to prescribe medication. There are medicines that work throughout the body and those that provide local relief, such as:
- Rhinocort/Budesonide: anti-inflammatory nasal spray that relieves sensitivity in the nasal passages.
- Antihistamine, such as promethazine: counteracts allergic reactions caused by histamine, such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis and allergic skin reactions.
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