30 things your allergy specialist wishes you knew

You’re likely wasting your money on decongestants. You might really not know what you’re allergic to. And you could be starting treatment way too late. When you have allergies, you feel miserable day and night, so it’s important that you do all you can to feel better. Allergy specialists weigh in on everything from hypoallergenic dogs (they don’t exist) to mattress encasements (use them) so you can use their tips to stop sneezing and sniffling.

“There’s admittedly some role of PR and marketing in that, but climate change does seem to be making allergies worse,” says allergist-immunologist, Dr Richard Weber. “Allergenic plants are bigger and produce more pollen, and seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer.”

Read on to find out how to survive allergy season.

Two-thirds of people with any allergies also have year-round allergies to things like dust mites, mould, or pets, says allergist-immunologist, Dr James Sublett. “You may assume you’re allergic to your cat, for example, but testing may reveal that it’s actually something else,” says Dr Sublett. “Also, many people experience delayed reactions to allergens, which makes them harder to recognise. You could be outside mowing the lawn and sneeze a little bit, but experience more significant wheezing and coughing six hours later when you’re inside getting ready for bed.”

Not all allergy medicine is created equal. “Over-the-counter decongestants without pseudoephedrine [the ingredient used to make crystal meth] have very little effect,” says allergist and clinical professor of paediatrics, Dr Michael Blaiss. “Patients are basically getting ripped off. In terms of efficacy, you’re better off getting the ones you have to sign your life away for at the pharmacy counter.”

Do you wee when you sneeze? Here’s how to stop it.

Oral antihistamines are the most common allergy medication, but prescription steroid nasal sprays work much better, says Dr Weber. “People use the over-the-counter drugs so they don’t have to go to the doctor,” he says.

Don’t miss these medication mistakes that are hurting your health.

There are so many over-the-counter allergy options now, people often diagnose and treat themselves. “So read the label and know what you’re getting,” says internist, Dr Michael Smith. “For example, many antihistamines come in a ‘D’ variety, for decongestant. But if you’re not congested, don’t take this kind.”

Allergy shots are great … for some people. “If you have only spring or autumn allergies, allergy shots probably aren’t going to be worth your while. But if you have multi-season or year-round symptoms, they can help long-term with amazing results,” says Dr Smith. Shots are also a major time commitment. For the first few months, you have to get them once a week then wait for 30 minutes to make sure you don’t have a reaction.

If you know you have bad pollen allergies, start treating them even before you have symptoms, suggests Smith. “Watch the counts, and as soon as they start to rise, start taking your usual medication,” he says. “Once your body ramps up its release of histamines and inflammatory chemicals, they’re that much harder to treat.”

Check out these anti-inflammatory foods to eat to reduce pain.

Allergies and asthma are closely linked. Being overweight can make asthma and lower respiratory tract symptoms worse. “Overeating increases reflux, and tiny particles of acid can aspirate back into the lungs, causing irritation,” says Dr Weber. “Another possibility is that acid in the lower oesophagus damages nerve endings, which sends a message to the brain that also tightens your airways. And a physically large belly presses on the lungs, so they can’t expand as much. When patients lose weight, we can see their lung function is much better.”

Here are some silent signs your lungs could be in trouble.

People really love their pets. So if they tell their doctors their dog or cat is causing problems, symptoms are usually pretty bad, Dr Weber says. “I would never tell someone to get rid of their pet, but keeping them out of your bedroom will make a big difference,” he says. “Also, get an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Pet dander tends to stay in the air longer than other allergens, so this is the one case where I feel a filter would actually be helpful.”