Pollen allergies can be treated in several different ways. Medication aimed at relieving the symptoms of the allergy, avoiding the allergen altogether and immunotherapy (allergy shots) are the most common ways to treat and relieve pollen allergies.
Medication
Sometimes to alleviate allergy symptoms, doctors prescribe medicine, or consumers buy over-the-counter medication. Decongestants and some antihistamines are available over the counter, while stronger, physician-prescribed medications include antihistamines, corticosteroids and cromolyn sodium. Physician-prescribed medications can be used alone, or in combination with one another.
Avoiding Pollen
Avoiding pollen sounds difficult, because, especially in the spring in some places, it is very pervasive. However, there are solutions that can work, such as remaining indoors in the morning, or on sunny days, when pollen levels are highest, using a face mask when venturing outdoors, using air filters on air conditioners that bring air in from the indoors and buying air filtration systems that filter air as it circulates through your home.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that can increase tolerance to a particular pollen. Diluted extracts of pollen are injected in small doses a few times a week, with the doses becoming gradually larger as they decrease frequency. The largest dose is the amount a patient can handle, taking into account the allergic symptoms incurred at the time of the dose. This treatment can take quite long, considering that prolonged exposure is necessary to increase tolerance.
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