How to prevent allergies
Prevention by avoidance
Allergies may be prevented or treated. The most effective prevention is avoidance of the allergen. This is often not practical for the pilot who flies all over the country or is based in a region filled with numerous allergens. Ironically, many pilots note their allergies will improve when they are flying since the cabin air at altitude is usually relatively free of allergens. If someone is allergic to animals, such as cats, getting rid of the animal may cure the symptoms. Many allergy suffers are unable to avoid or even identify the cause of their symptoms.Preventive medication- nasal steroids
Another method of prevention is the use of medication to block the body’s reaction the allergens. The most common symptoms of nasal stuffiness are effectively relieved by nasal steroid sprays. These steroids act by stabilizing the cells in the body exposed to allergens so they do not release histamines. They are not immediately effective, but may take several days to weeks to reach their full effect. If someone can anticipate their allergy season, using they agents several weeks before the season starts may block most symptoms. The steroid nasal sprays should not be confused with anabolic steroids, often illegally used by body builders and athletes.The nasal steroids are usually well tolerated and act on the nose and upper respiratory tract. They are relatively safe for long term use and the FAA will approve their use if they are effective. Reporting their use to the FAA may be done at the airman’s next physical exam. Some of the name brands for these effective products are Beconase, Vancenase, Flonase, Nasalide, Nasacort, Nasonex, Nasarel and Rhinocort. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Review of Treatments for Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis published in American Family Physician indicates that nasal steroids are preferred over antihistamines treatment for allergic rhinitis.
