diagnosed with allergies: managing treatment, support and daily life

understanding your allergy diagnosis

understanding your unique allergy diagnosis is the first critical step towards effectively managing your allergies and improving your quality of life. you need to understand the specifics of your allergens, and identify any substances that may trigger an adverse reaction.

choosing the right healthcare provider

if you’re suffering from or struggling to manage allergies, an allergist or immunologist who specializes in allergy management can be key to finding the symptom relief you need. these specialists possess a deep understanding of allergic conditions, and use a range of diagnostic tools to identify allergy triggers and tailor treatment plans to your individual needs. their specialized knowledge allows them to address various types of allergies, from common environmental triggers to specific food allergies .

building your healthcare team

primary care physician or family doctor: your primary care physician plays a central role in managing your overall health. they can assess your symptoms, conduct initial allergy testing, and provide referrals to specialists if needed.

allergist or immunologist: an allergist or immunologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and immune system disorders. they can conduct more in-depth allergy testing, provide personalized treatment plans, and oversee allergen immunotherapy if recommended.

nurses or nurse practitioners: nurses can assist in the administration of allergy shots, provide education on allergy management, and offer ongoing support. nurse practitioners may also be involved in coordinating your care.

pharmacist: pharmacists can offer guidance on over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications, provide information on potential drug interactions, and ensure that your medications are safe and suitable for your specific needs.

dietitian or nutritionist: if you have food allergies or intolerances, a registered dietitian or nutritionist can help you plan a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs while avoiding allergens.

specialists (if needed): depending on the nature of your allergies, you may need to involve other specialists, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ent) specialist, pulmonologist (lung specialist), or dermatologist.

psychologist or mental health professional: living with allergies can have emotional and psychological impacts. a psychologist or mental health professional can provide support in coping with the stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges associated with managing allergies.

your employer: communicate with your employer about any necessary accommodations related to your allergies. this may include creating an allergen-free workspace or allowing time for medical appointments.

exploring treatment options

allergen avoidance

• environmental allergens: for allergies triggered by substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, using air purifiers, regularly cleaning your living space, and avoiding environments during peak allergy seasons can help better control your allergies.
• food allergens: for allergies to specific foods, carefully reading labels, communicating dietary restrictions to restaurants and being aware of potential cross-contamination can help you avoid an allergy reaction.

medications

• antihistamines: these medications block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. they are effective in alleviating symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. antihistamines are available in oral tablets, liquid formulations, and nasal sprays.
• decongestants: to relieve nasal congestion, decongestants can be used. they work by narrowing blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. decongestants are available as oral tablets, nasal sprays, or liquid formulations.
• nasal corticosteroids: these sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages to provide relief from symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing. they’re commonly used for allergic rhinitis and are administered as nasal sprays.
• eye drops: for allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops can provide relief from itching and redness.
• topical corticosteroids: these creams, ointments, and lotions can be used for allergic skin conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis to reduce inflammation and itching on the skin.
• mast cell stabilizers: these nasal sprays or eye drops reduce symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion by preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances from mast cells.
• leukotriene inhibitors: this prescription medication is taken orally to relieve congestion, runny nose, and sneezing by blocking leukotrienes.

immunotherapy

immunotherapy is a treatment for allergies that aims to modify the immune system’s response to specific allergens, helping to alleviate or reduce allergic symptoms.

allergen immunotherapy ( allergy shots ) is a treatment used to reduce the symptoms of allergies by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens. it’s commonly used for environmental allergies. these allergy shots are administered through a series of injections that gradually expose the immune system to small and increasing amounts of specific allergens over an extended period.

oral immunotherapy (oit) is a treatment used to desensitize individuals with food allergies by gradually introducing and increasing their tolerance to specific food allergens. the initial dosage is a tiny, controlled amount of the allergen, usually in the form of a food extract or powder, administered under close medical supervision. over time, the individual is gradually exposed to increasing amounts of the allergen, with the goal of reducing the allergic reaction to the allergen.

emergency epinephrine

for individuals with severe allergies to foods, insect stings, or certain medications, an epinephrine auto-injector (epipen) may be prescribed. epinephrine acts rapidly to counteract the effects of anaphylaxis by opening airways, constricting blood vessels, and supporting blood pressure.

individuals with known allergies, especially those at risk for anaphylaxis , should always have access to an epinephrine auto-injector and be prepared to use it in case of an emergency. while epinephrine is a crucial emergency treatment to prevent a potentially fatal outcome, it does not replace the need for long-term management of allergies.

securing financial support and coverage

• private health insurance: if you’ve purchased health insurance, or have private health insurance through your employer, your plan may cover certain allergy related expenses, including medications, allergy testing, and in some cases allergen immunotherapy.
• provincial healthcare coverage: check with your provincial or territorial health authority to understand the extent of coverage for allergy-related services and medications. some provinces may offer coverage for specific allergy treatments, while others may have limitations.
• prescription medication coverage: many allergy medications, including antihistamines and epinephrine auto-injectors, are available by prescription. coverage for prescription medications varies by province and private insurance plans. some provinces offer prescription drug plans for eligible residents.
• government assistance programs: depending on your financial situation, you may be eligible for government assistance programs. these programs can provide financial support for medical expenses, including allergy-related costs. check with your provincial or territorial health department for information on available programs.
• disability benefits: individuals with severe allergies that significantly impact their daily functioning may be eligible for disability benefits. explore disability support programs at the federal and provincial levels for potential financial assistance.
• patient assistance programs: some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that provide financial assistance for individuals who cannot afford certain medications. check with your healthcare provider or the pharmaceutical company supplying your allergy medication to inquire about available programs.

leveraging support services

• allergists and immunologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat allergies. they can provide personalized treatment plans, including medication options, allergen immunotherapy, and advice on managing allergic reactions.
• specialized allergy clinics, often affiliated with hospitals or independent practices, provide comprehensive allergy testing, diagnosis, and treatment. these clinics may offer allergen immunotherapy and education on allergy management.
• organizations such as food allergy canada, anaphylaxis canada, and allergic living can provide valuable resources, support, and advocacy. they may offer educational materials, support groups, and community events.
• asthma canada provides information, resources, and support for individuals living with asthma. they also offer an asthma & allergy helpline that individuals can call for support in dealing with asthma and allergies. they can provide advice on managing symptoms, avoiding triggers, and various treatment options.
• health canada offers information and resources on various health conditions, including allergies. their website provides guidelines, safety information, and updates on allergy-related topics.

living with allergies in canada

coping with allergies in canada demands a vigilant and flexible approach to daily living, as individuals navigate through a multitude of challenges posed by environmental triggers and potential allergens. from managing exposure to pollen during changing seasons to negotiating food options that align with dietary restrictions, individuals with allergies must be proactive in creating a safe and supportive environment. this involves implementing practical strategies, such as carrying allergy medications, communicating dietary needs effectively, and ensuring that living spaces are allergen-free zones.