Are your allergies making you feel miserable? You're not alone. As the world turns green again, seasonal allergies begin to cause 
sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and other symptoms in allergy sufferers. Allergist Dr. Ludwig Khoury of Allergy Care, in Utica and Watertown, NY, offers the treatment you need to keep your seasonal allergies under control.
Reducing allergen exposure can help
Although it's impossible to completely reduce your exposure to seasonal allergens, such as pollen, grasses and mold, you can take a few steps that may make you feel more comfortable, such as:
- Paying Attention to Allergen Levels: Check allergen levels for Utica and Watertown daily during allergy season. If high levels of a particular allergen are detected on a particular day, it's a good idea to avoid outdoor activities.
- Cleaning Often: Vacuum or mop floors often to reduce allergens tracked inside your home. If possible, replace carpeting with tile or hardwood flooring.
- Using a HEPA Filter: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap particles that can cause seasonal allergy symptoms.
Allergists offer treatments that can relieve your symptoms
Decongestants and anti-histamines may help you feel better if you experience allergies, but sometimes, drugstore products just don't do enough to relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms are making you uncomfortable, consider making an appointment with an allergy, asthma and immunology doctor.
Your first appointment will probably include allergy testing to determine which substances trigger an allergic reaction. Testing involves injecting very small amounts of various allergens under your skin. If you're allergic to a particular substance, the corresponding area of your skin will redden, although you won't develop sneezing, congestion or other allergy symptoms.
Based on the results of allergy testing, your doctor may recommend a variety of treatments, including immunotherapy to gradually decrease your sensitivity to allergens, prescription strength decongestants and antihistamines, or nasal corticosteroid sprays.
A visit to an allergist can help you keep your seasonal allergy symptoms under control. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ludwig Khoury by calling (315) 624-7911 for the Utica, NY, office or (315) 782-6200 for the Watertown, NY, office.
