Is allergy treatment right for you?

Allergies happen when your body thinks that harmless substances, like pet dander or peanuts, are actually pathogens that could make you sick. When this happens, your body prompts an immune response - which causes the symptoms like itchy eyes, itchy or runny nose, and scratchy throat that make allergic reactions troublesome.

There is a wide range of things that can cause an allergy as well as a wide range of reactions you can get as a result. You may get hives from a drug allergy, an itchy tongue from a food allergy, sneezing from a pet allergy, or a cough from a mold allergy. Allergy triggers can come in many forms such as airborne particles like pollen or dust, or as a result of a sting.

Allergic reactions are one of the most common conditions allergists treat. These usually occur in the eyes, nose, throat, sinuses, lungs, and skin. Another common condition is hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which refers to allergic reactions that cause a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy throat. These reactions are usually caused by an allergen like pollen, dust, or mold.

While many conditions like hay fever are the result of seasonal allergies and occur during certain times of the year, perennial allergies occur year-round. Asthma, for example, occurs when the airways in your lungs swell and inflame, which causes excess mucus and makes it hard to breathe. Allergens and irritants can also cause skin reactions like eczema (dermatitis) and hives.

Because allergies live on a wide spectrum, the best treatment for you depends on your particular allergy and the severity of your allergic response. Your allergist can help you determine what allergies you may have, and develop a plan catered to what is right for you. Some treatments options include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops, or a combination of OTC medications
  
• Immunotherapy tablets or allergy shots
  
• Acupuncture
  
• Avoiding triggers
  

Knowing what you're allergic to is half the battle. In order to determine your triggers, your allergist may recommend skin or blood tests. Once identified, your allergist can help you find ways to best avoid the allergens and can offer treatment options specific to your individual case. Book a virtual allergist consult through Sesame and receive quality care by a licensed professional at a fraction of the cost. Know your price. On your schedule. Yep, it's really that simple.

The short answer is no. But your symptoms related to the allergy are treatable. Immunology treatments such as sublingual immunotherapy can help decrease or eliminate your symptoms. Whether it's a food allergy or seasonal allergies, Sesame clears your way to care. You don't need insurance to save on quality care.

If you are experiencing severe allergic reactions including mouth swelling, vomiting, hives, dizziness, or difficulty breath, you should dial 911. These types of side effects are often (but not always) caused by insect stings, medication, or food allergies. Anaphylaxis can be a life-threatening emergency, so don't wait if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Spring is in the air - and so are the allergies. Common seasonal allergies include:

Weed pollen: Ragweed, pigweed, tumbleweed, and sagebrush are major hayfever producers. Hayfever from weed pollen can often last from spring till fall.

Flower pollen: Sunflowers, daisies, and chamomile are some common flowers that cause allergies.

Tree pollen: Many trees have pollen that irritates some people including pine, beech, elm, hickory, walnut, sycamore, and pecan.

Grass: Grass pollinates in spring in most regions of the US.

Mold and mildew: Fungi that can spread in moist areas, often in humid places. During wetter months, mold counts rise, often causing more cases of allergy-related symptoms.

Animal dander: It isn't the hair of a dog that causes the allergy. That is a misnomer. It's actually a protein in a dog's saliva and urine that can stick to fur and dander causing the allergy to occur. That is why hairless dogs are less likely to cause irritation because they don't shed the saliva-ridden particles as much as a dog with fur. Animal dander is more common during the winter months.

Allergy season is dependent on what allergy you have and where you live. Common allergy seasons include spring and fall for high pollen counts, while mold allergies occur when it's moist. This could mean winter if you live in the midwest, or from winter to spring if you live in the Pacific Northwest. It all depends on your allergy and your location.

You don't have to wait for fall, winter, or spring to arrive to get treatment for allergies. Book a virtual or in-person visit with an allergist without the fuss of an insurance company. You get fair, upfront prices for every service with Sesame. See who you want, when you want. No mark-ups or restrictions. Yep, it's really that simple.

Your allergist might recommend the use of over-the-counter medications including antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays depending on your allergy triggers.

For more severe allergies your doctor may recommend allergy immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or tablets, which can train your body to become less sensitive to the allergen. Before you begin treatment, your doctor may start with a blood test or skin test to determine which specific allergen you have, and then create a treatment plan specific to you that usually lasts for 3 to 6 months. A secondary maintenance phase can last around 3 to 5 years or sometimes longer.

There are several key differences between allergy tablets (SLIT) and allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Allergy tablets are considered to be safer than allergy shots, as the likelihood of a full-body reaction is less likely than with SCIT shots. SLIT tablets are also considerably more convenient since they can be self-administered at home.

However, allergy tablets are only available for a limited number of allergens (ragweed, dust mites and grass pollens), whereas allergy shots are able to address a much wider range. Allergy shots also appear to be slightly more effective than allergy tablets in addressing allergy symptoms long-term.