A reader recently sent in an interesting question:

I have a question. Generally speaking. If you take preventive action against allergic triggers, could you avoid all the pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medications like singulair and nasonex?

In some cases, yes, allergy sufferers can avoid medication by practicing sound environmental control methods and avoiding allergens. Allergy symptoms do not occur without exposure to the offending allergen. We hear "miracle stories" all the time in regard to Allergy Armor™. Some people put these covers on their mattress and pillows, and their symptoms disappear completely.

However, everyone is different, and even allergy sufferers who take all the proper environmental control measures will still experience symptoms sometimes. For instance, in many place in the U.S., it's difficult to avoid ragweed pollen during allergy season because the allergen is just so pervasive. And in one major study, cat dander was found in 100% of U.S. homes - even homes without cats! Similarly, it's nearly impossible to get rid of all dust mites and mold spores. They're everywhere! So, even with all the best environmental control products and methods, there will still be a need for allergy medication, but you can greatly reduce the chances that you'll need medication by avoiding the particles that make you sick.