Living with allergies can be tough. It means always checking ingredient lists and being cautious with products that might irritate you. While everyone’s symptoms are different, some people have only mild reactions, while others face severe, life-threatening situations. So, how can you manage your allergy without letting it control your life?
### Avoid Your Allergens
The simplest way to manage your allergy is to stay away from whatever triggers it. If you’re allergic to seafood, just don’t eat it. But because products can sometimes become contaminated, you need to make sure your food is safe. Always read labels, and if you’re dining out, talk to the restaurant to ensure there are safe options for you.
Managing allergies like hay fever can be trickier, but there are still things you can do to avoid pollen. During the summer, keep your windows closed. This might not be ideal, but it helps prevent after-effects. Also, don’t dry your clothes outside during pollen season, as they can collect pollen.
### Preventative Methods
There are treatments like immunotherapy and allergy injections available for certain allergies. Over time, these methods help your body build a natural defense by exposing you to the allergen in small doses.
Not everyone can use these treatments, so it’s best to talk to your doctor about your options. If you have severe allergies, it’s crucial to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector, in case you come into contact with your allergen by accident. Keep one at home and another at work, and make sure people around you know where they are.
Washing clothes at high temperatures can also help prevent allergies. Some washing machines even have special anti-allergy programs.
### Inform Others
It’s important to let people know about your allergies. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers. Medical experts also suggest that people with serious allergies wear medical alert jewelry. This can inform healthcare providers about your condition in an emergency, making sure they know what you can and cannot be exposed to.