Helping You Take Control of Your Allergies
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies and asthma, it’s important to be able to tell when your symptoms are unmanaged. Not only can uncontrolled symptoms be uncomfortable, but they can also lead to serious health complications.
Here are five signs that your allergies or asthma are not being properly treated:
1. Your asthma or allergies are not diagnosed.
If you suffer from allergies, either year-round or seasonal, it is important to have your allergies under control now more than ever — especially with the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. For patients with asthma, constant trouble breathing can significantly impact their daily life.
Many people will have very mild symptoms because they have been vaccinated or previously had COVID-19. Mild symptoms of this virus are similar or identical to allergies and include nasal congestion, stuffiness, cough, wheezing, and sore throat.
The best way to know for sure? Seek allergy testing from our team, so we can determine what your allergy triggers are. From there, we can develop an individualized plan to help treat the cause of your allergies, providing you with long-term relief. In addition, we can help find the root cause of your asthma symptoms and provide you with ways to improve your symptoms.
“Allergies can be like a cold that never goes away, especially in the spring,” says Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia’s Dr. Hurwitz. Our providers help relieve these symptoms and give you a long-term solution to prevent them.
Pediatric Allergies
If you notice allergy-like symptoms in your little one such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, or watery eyes — especially after playing outside or being exposed to a certain product or food — you should seek a consultation with one of our board-certified specialists. Food allergies can be especially dangerous and should be diagnosed as soon as possible.
2. You’re experiencing frequent and severe symptoms.
If your allergies or asthma are not well-managed, you may experience frequent and severe symptoms. This can include things like shortness of breath, chest pain, and a persistent cough. Patients with severe symptoms should see their allergist as soon as possible to prevent symptoms from disrupting their daily life and impacting their health.
3. Your medication isn’t providing relief.
If you’re taking medication for your allergies or asthma and it’s not providing relief, it may be time to seek additional treatment. There are a number of different treatments available for allergies and asthma, so don’t be afraid to ask one of our board-certified allergists for advice.
In fact — our immunotherapy program reduces allergy symptoms by 80-90% for most people!
4. You’re not using your medication as directed.
If you’re not using your medication as directed, it’s likely that your symptoms are not being managed properly. It’s important to follow the instructions on your medicine label and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Allergy Shots & Allergy Drops
Allergy shots and allergy drops are a great option for patients with extreme, unmanaged allergies. Once you’ve decided to start allergy treatment, you may be concerned about what will happen at your appointments. The key to finding relief from your symptoms is to follow your treatment plan.
Your Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia allergist will individually tailor your allergy shot treatment plan to your needs and inject a small amount of saline mixed with your allergen under your skin. Over time, your body will begin to naturally resist the effects of your allergen.
Allergy drops require about three weeks of buildup and then a daily dosage throughout the spring allergy season to be as effective as possible. This means the sooner you start treatment, the better.
5. You’re not taking daily actions to control your allergies.
Whether spring is the season your allergies are the worst or you feel most vulnerable when your HVAC is on for the season — it’s important to manage your allergies daily. Here are a few ways you can best manage your symptoms:
Start Allergy Treatments Now
To get ahead of your seasonal allergies, our board-certified specialists recommend starting treatments early to give your immune system time before the season kicks off. Not sure which option is best for you? Our board-certified team will help answer any questions you may have.
Clean Your Home
Do you wake up feeling congested during spring or fall? Spring cleaning doesn’t just help declutter your home — it helps prevent indoor and outdoor allergens from spreading in your home and causing symptoms. Clean common living spaces and bedrooms regularly. This will cut down on how much pollen you’re tracking in from outside, as well as the dust and dander within your home.
Start Tracking Pollen Counts Near You
Check the pollen count in your area when you know you’ll be outside for an extended period of time. Typically, the pollen count is at its highest during the daytime — between 10 AM and 5 PM. Limiting your time spent outside between these hours is highly encouraged.
You can use the pollen count tracker on our website by clicking here.
Maintain Your HVAC
Turning on your cooling unit for the season tends to send many household allergens throughout your home’s air, including pollen, dust, pet dander, and other particles. Change out those filters and maintain your HVAC unit to improve your indoor air quality!
Treat Your Allergies Today at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia
Speak to one of our Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia board-certified allergy specialists about the possibility of allergy shots to find relief for your allergy symptoms and build immunity against allergens. Our no-wait appointment policy ensures you receive immediate care.
Our team of board-certified allergy specialists will discuss your options and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. Contact us at (770) 459-0620 or visit us online to book your same-day or next-day appointment.
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