All the expert advice you need, to manage your allergies and prevent triggers
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Allergic reactions like watery eyes and dribbling nose are the last things you want to see, especially when you're en route to your dream destination.
As such, we've gathered useful tips from Dr. Leong Jern Lin, Consultant Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon of ASCENT Ear Nose Throat Specialist Group, to help you manage and prevent allergies.
Here are 10 things you may not know about allergies:
6. You can relieve your allergies
When encountered with an allergy, locate relief such as an antihistamine for rapid relief near you.
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec-R are used to prevent or relieve allergic symptoms and work by preventing the effects of histamine — a substance produced by the body that causes symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.
7. Wearing a face mask can help
This is especially if you’re allergic to pollen or to sudden changes in temperature when traveling. This may help with the general discomfort that affects your nose and mouth.
8. Allergies cannot be cured
Even though there are treatments available, there are no cures for allergies. Immunotherapy (desensitization) however, is effective for treating some allergies such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, and stinging insect allergy.
This treatment takes time (at least three years) and patience to conduct, and dedication from the patient to follow through, in order for it to be effective.
9. You can manage allergies while traveling
When traveling, do your research and plan your route. Keep away from places or situations that can expose you to allergens; such as pollen, holiday candles or dusty decoration.
Plus, keep medication with you, for rapid relief when you need them.
10. Continuous exposure to animals won’t desensitize you to them.
If you are allergic to an animal, continuous exposure will not decrease your allergy. If you are allergic to animals, sensitivity often worsens with ongoing exposure.
The best way to minimise and relieve symptoms is to avoid the animal, minimise exposure to household pets and wash the animal regularly to reduce the amount of allergen they shed.
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