People with severe allergies often aren’t allergic to just one thing. In some cases, it seems like everything is a cause of itching, scratching, and sneezing. The first step is to identify what’s causing your allergies.
Here are a few allergens we keep a close eye on:
Antihistamines have long been the go-to treatment for people suffering from allergy symptoms in Houston and The Woodlands. These medications work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body in response to allergens, which causes common symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. While antihistamines can provide short-term relief from these symptoms, they have several limitations.
First, antihistamines only provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms. They do not address the underlying causes of allergies or work to prevent future reactions. Over time, the body can develop a tolerance to antihistamines, requiring higher doses for the same level of relief. This can lead to a cycle of dependency on the medication.
Many antihistamines come with side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. These side effects can be bothersome and impact daily activities. New research is also coming out saying that long-term allergy medication use can lead to long-term health issues such as dementia.
Most importantly, antihistamines do not address the root causes of allergies, such as a compromised immune system, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic systemic inflammation. You’ll need functional medicine if you want to set yourself up for success.
