Don’t let your allergies win. Fight back with more effective methods.

Whether you are someone who deals with seasonal allergies or you are allergic to your friend’s cat, there are many elements in the environment that can lead our body to reaction in strange ways. If one of our Simi Valley, Ventura County, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks, CA, ENT doctors has diagnosed you with allergies find out the best ways to tackle them for the long term.

While some allergies can be controlled with simple over-the-counter medications and by avoiding the allergen as much as possible, our Simi Valley, Ventura County, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks otolaryngologists know that it isn’t always that simple. Those dealing with moderate-to-severe allergies need better treatment options.

Of course, it’s important to know what triggers your symptoms. While it is easy for some people to tell it isn’t always that obvious for others. By coming into our office we can perform an allergy skin test to pinpoint your allergies.

One way to reduce the frequency or severity of your allergy symptoms is to find the right medication based on the symptoms you experience. Prescription-strength antihistamines, decongestants or even steroids (in more severe cases) are the most common allergy medications offered.

Sometimes allergy shots are recommended if you deal with serious symptoms that hinder your day-to-day life. For example, if you are allergic to pet dander, but your family can’t imagine living without their furry sidekick, then allergic shots may be the best method for reducing your pet dander symptoms over time.

Besides medications, which are designed to control your symptoms but won’t actually cure your allergies, there are also lifestyle modifications you can make to reduce contact with the allergen:

• Make sure that your bedroom is a pet-free zone.
• Wash all surfaces of the home, and vacuum and clean all carpets, furniture and bedding regularly.
• Depending on the cause of your allergies, it’s a good idea to wear a mask over your nose and mouth while gardening, mowing the lawn or even dusting and cleaning your home.
• If you have outdoor or seasonal allergies keep windows closed on days when pollen or mold counts are high. Avoid spending a lot of time outdoors if it’s windy.

Have questions about treating your allergies? Not finding these options as effective as you had hoped? West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat is here to the rescue. With four convenient locations in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura County and Camarillo, CA, we make it easier to get the allergy treatment you need.