Ask a Doctor
Q: I work at a pet-friendly office, but my dog allergy is making miserable. What can I do to feel better at work?
A: Treatment involves a threepronged approach. First, avoid dogs and cats as much as possible. Let your co-workers know that you suffer from pet allergies. If you can’t avoid the pets, purchase a high-efficiency filter (HEPA) to remove the allergens from the air. Next, treat your symptoms with antihistamines (Allegra and Zyrtec) or nasal sprays (Nasacort and Flonase). Finally, consider allergy shots, which will retrain your immune system to be less allergic to dogs and cats. They are the only proven way to cure your allergy for good.
— Dr. Todd Levin, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
Submit your health-related questions for a medical doctor to lwilson@timesfreepress.com.