Spring is in the air, and for many people this means—ah-choo! Allergies are a common nuisance this time of year. Hay fever, dust mites, pollen and dander—the warmer weather stirs-up all of these problematic particles until our eyes start to water and our throats get so itchy we can’t even think straight.
For a large portion of the population, allergies are more than a seasonal annoyance—they are a severe medical problem that can interfere with day-to-day life. For some, allergy symptoms are more intense than a sneezing fit, too. Certain allergies, like those to peanuts, for example, can be life-threatening in their worst case scenario.
If you are struggling with allergies, you are not alone:
- Approximately 55 percent of Americans have allergies.
- Allergies are the fifth most common medical problem in the United Sates.
- Americans spend about 7.9 billion dollars on allergy treatment every year.
- Allergies are the culprit for about 4 million missed days of work every year.
- About 30,000 people visit the ER every year thanks to their allergies.
In East Brunswick, allergy treatment can offer some much needed relief from the most common allergens, but many people shy away from common forms of allergy medication. Many oral allergy medications cause extreme fatigue, offering you solace from your symptoms at the cost of knocking you out for the night.
Allergy shots are a popular alternative, but these involve getting regular shots in the arm or back to build your immunity to allergies over time. Volunteering for shots regularly isn’t often considered an ideal solution.
Allergy drops may be the treatment that many allergy sufferers have been looking for. This alternative medicine is not yet FDA-approved, but it is rapidly gaining popularity across the country. Dr. Liu offers allergy drops in East Brunswick, and many people in New Jersey have found exceptional relief from former irritants thanks to the treatment method.
Allergy drops use the same type of concentrated formula as allergy shots, but the drops are administered sublingually, or under the tongue. Instead of returning to your physician’s office for regular shots, the drops can be administered at home. They are pain-free and effective—according to certain estimates, they can reduce allergy symptoms by as much as 40 percent.
Of course, there are other ways that you can naturally manage your allergies as well. Keep your home clear of dust and dander by cleaning regularly. Vacuum carpets and keep your counters and shelving clear of clutter that could collect dust. Be wary of spending too much time outside during high pollen alerts, and have plenty of water nearby at all times so that you can ease the symptoms of an itchy throat before they become unbearable.