Dealing effectively with allergies

Some studies show that in France, it is estimated that 20 - 24% of the population suffers from allergies; in Vietnam, the rate of allergies is about 20 - 25%.

Some studies show that in France, it is estimated that 20 - 24% of the population suffers from allergies; in the US, this figure is approximately 25% of the population; in Vietnam, the rate of allergies is about 20 - 25% in urban areas and 20% in some rural areas. Environmental pollution, cleaning chemicals, air conditioners, heaters, stress... are factors in modern life that pose the risk of causing allergies.

Modern life contains many factors that cause allergies.

Research from several universities in the United States on allergies, asthma and immunity shows that in the United States alone, every year there are more than 50 million people suffering from allergies and asthma; many people often suffer from allergy symptoms when the weather changes seasons, such as late fall or early spring.

Allergist Richard Weber, a member of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, said: People with allergies to dust and pollen because when they inhale these dust gases, the body responds by secreting a chemical called histamine that causes the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and sinuses to swell, causing a runny nose and watery eyes.

Pollen, animal hair, and dust are allergens.

There are many causes of allergies, among which the causes that we have known for centuries are: pollen, insects, foods such as peanuts, eggs, milk, shrimp, crab, tuna...; animal hair such as dog hair, cat hair...; chemicals such as hair dye, shampoo, modern medicine...

In addition to the above causes, today, with the development of modern life, the causes of allergies have become very diverse: the number of pets in the house has increased, causing a situation in a narrow space, people and livestock live together, therefore, the number of people with respiratory allergies caused by animals is constantly increasing.

Due to environmental pollution by solid waste, liquid waste, emissions from factories, industrial zones... residents living in polluted places have a higher risk of allergies than those living in clean air.

Apartments are ideal places to live for people in big cities. However, apartments are designed to be isolated, with little light and wind, making them susceptible to allergens such as smoke, dust, chemical odors, etc., increasing the risk of allergies for residents here.

Disinfectant cleaners are often used to keep your home clean, but the downside is that they can cause allergies in you and others.

Air conditioners, heaters, washing machines... are indispensable appliances in modern families, but they cause allergies in sensitive people. Stress from work pressure, security, finances..., infectious diseases, addiction to tobacco, alcohol... will rapidly increase the number of allergy patients.

How to deal with allergies?

Although allergies are common, there are ways to treat and prevent them, especially since medicine has effective treatments.

If you constantly have a runny nose, headaches and think you may have allergies, don't live with these discomforts but find a way to solve them by seeing a doctor and getting advice.

When you have an allergy, you need to treat it according to the level of allergy. If you only have mild allergy symptoms, you can use anti-allergy drugs such as chlorpheniramine, phenergan... When allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, you can use decongestants.

Because these drugs can also have unwanted side effects such as increased blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using these drugs.

Using steroid inhalers can also help relieve symptoms in people with allergies and asthma.

Recently, in the US and Europe, a new treatment for pollen allergies is being developed, which is to use medicine placed under the tongue instead of injections as is currently the case. In general, when you need to take allergy medicine, you need to follow your doctor's instructions.

When you do not have allergies, you need to prevent them by the following methods: according to the advice of Dr. James Sublett, what you can do to avoid allergies is not to smoke in the house, the air supply and air filter equipment is properly and fully warranted; use an exhaust fan when cooking, using the bathroom, reduce humidity in the house; you need to be careful not to make the house more humid because that can be an allergy problem for your family.

Rooms and offices need to be ventilated every day. Opening the door and turning on the fan for ventilation is a habit that should be done every day. Use a dehumidifier and ventilate through a duct if your room or apartment does not have a door to the outside.

For people who are allergic to cats, dogs or other pets, doctors advise against using carpets and other dust-catching materials in the home and should avoid letting cats or dogs sleep in the same room.

To avoid outdoor allergens, people who are allergic to dust and pollen should avoid going outside between 10am and 4pm; should change into new clothes when coming back from outside and should dry clothes in the machine instead of hanging them out on the line.

According to MSc. Pham Phu Vinh - Health and Life