Do you sneeze, cough, and have itchy eyes more often? It could be that your allergies are getting worse. This blog will discuss why allergies can worsen over time and how to manage them.
What Causes Allergies?
The causes of allergies are often varied but generally stem from exposure to an allergen. Allergens cause your body to overreact by releasing chemicals that produce an allergic reaction.
Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and certain foods.
Why Allergies Can Worsen
Allergies can worsen over time due to repeated exposure to an allergen, known as “allergy sensitization.” It occurs when your body builds up a tolerance to the allergen, resulting in a stronger reaction.
Environmental
Allergens can also be carried by wind or air currents, making them difficult to avoid and leading to increased allergic reactions.
Other factors that can worsen allergies include exposure to air pollution, tobacco smoke, and other indoor allergens. These allergens can irritate the airways and increase the severity of your allergies.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes can significantly impact allergies, as those with sensitivities may be more likely to experience symptoms during certain times of the year.
Pollen, for example, is a major allergen and often peaks during the spring and summer months. Understanding that allergies vary with the seasons can help you better manage them.
Stress and Other Health Factors
Allergies can be a major source of discomfort, and stress can worsen them. Stress can affect the immune system in several ways, making it more difficult for the body to fight off allergens that cause symptoms.
Stress also releases hormones like cortisol which can worsen allergy symptoms by increasing inflammation.
Also, stress may lead to poor sleep habits, weakening your immune system’s ability to respond effectively to allergens.
Therefore managing stress levels is an important part of controlling allergies and reducing their severity over time.
Finally, certain health conditions like asthma or eczema may increase your sensitivity to allergens and worsen allergy symptoms.
Genetics and Age
Genetics and age can play a significant role in worsening allergies over time. While environmental factors such as exposure to allergens can trigger stronger reactions, genetic predisposition and advancing age are also contributing factors.
People with a family history of allergies may be more likely to develop sensitivities. However, aging individuals often find their allergies can worsen and become more intense each year.
Understanding how these two components affect your body’s response is key to managing your allergies effectively.
How Do I Manage My Allergies?
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your allergy symptoms and manage your allergies.
Get Tested
The first step is to identify your allergens. If you need clarification on your allergens, get an allergist to test you or use a home testing kit.
Reduce Exposure to Allergens
Reducing your exposure to environmental allergens is key to managing your allergies.
Exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold, can be difficult to avoid. They can trigger stronger reactions as your body builds up a tolerance over time.
Allergy Medication
Taking over-the-counter or prescription medication can also help to reduce symptoms.
Non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, and leukotriene receptor antagonists can reduce inflammation.
Discuss with your doctor what medications are right for you and how to safely take them.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots (or immunotherapy) are another option if your allergies have become more severe.
This therapy involves the injection of small doses of the allergen that causes your symptoms to desensitize your body. Over time, the doses are increased, which can help reduce allergy symptoms.
Taking Action to Help Control Your Symptoms
Allergies can worsen and be difficult to manage. But taking the right steps can help reduce your symptoms and find relief.
Identifying allergies and reducing exposure is important for managing allergies over time.
Medication such as antihistamines may also provide short-term relief from allergy symptoms, while immunotherapy or allergy shots are other options that can potentially desensitize your body’s response to allergens.
Taking action with these strategies will not only help control current allergic reactions but could lead to fewer future episodes of discomfort due to allergenic sensitivities in the long run.
At Creekside Center for Women, our team of skilled medical professionals and compassionate staff strive to provide the best care for women’s health. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you. 479.582.9268