Unfortunately, simply avoiding the usual suspects is no guarantee of relief. Many East Coast allergy-sufferers get the bright idea of relocating to arid desert climes to ease the symptoms. But then you'd probably develop allergies to whatever pollens are out there, such as juniper, Wilson reveals. And even apart from the discomforts of allergies themselves, the more often one is exposed to an allergen, the greater the odds are that they will develop asthma, notes Tritt. The treatment may begin with a physician prescribing something on the conservative end, such as steroids or antihistamines, says Tritt.
Nasal steroids reduce swelling and mucus production.
If the patient is still miserable, the next step may be immunotherapy, administered via shots, she says. The patient is prescribed a tiny amount of the offending allergen to let her body become desensitized to it. At the Great Smokies Medical Center, practitioners employ both conventional and alternative treatments. They may also suggest a nutritional supplement or homeopathic treatments. In high enough doses, Vitamin C can work as an antihistamine, says Wilson.