Allergies
Treatment
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) require treatment with a medicine called epinephrine, which can be life saving when immediately given. The best way to reduce symptoms is to try and avoid what causes your allergies in the first place. This is especially important for food and drug allergies.
There are several types of medications available to prevent and treat allergies. Which medicine your doctor recommends depends on the type and severity of your symptoms, your age, and overall health. Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema) may require other treatments. Medications that can be used to treat allergies include: ANTIHISTAMINES Antihistamines are available over-the-counter and by prescription. They are available in many forms, including: - Capsules and pills
- Eye drops
- Injection
- Liquid
- Nasal spray
CORTICOSTEROIDS Anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids) are available in many forms, including: - Creams and ointment for the skin
- Eye drops
- Nasal spray
- Lung inhaler
Patients with severe allergic symptoms may be prescribed corticosteroid pills or injections for short periods of time. DECONGESTANTS Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than several days, because they can cause a "rebound" effect and make the congestion worse. Decongestants in pill form do not cause this problem. OTHER MEDICINES Leukotriene inhibitors are medicines that specifically block the substances that trigger allergies. Zafirlukast (Accolate) and montelukast (Singulair) are approved for those with asthma and indoor and outdoor allergies. ALLERGY SHOTS Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. Allergy shots keep your body from over-reacting to the allergen. Regular injections of the allergen are given, with each dose slightly larger than the previous dose until a maximum dose is reached. They do not work for everybody and require frequent doctor's visits.
Support Groups
See: Asthma and allergy support group
Prognosis (Expectations)
Most allergies can be easily treated with medication. Some children may outgrow an allergy. This is particularly true of food allergies. However, as a general rule, once a substance has triggered an allergic reaction, it continues to affect the person. Allergy shots are most effective when used to treat those with hay fever symptoms and severe insect sting allergies. They are not used to treat food allergies because of the danger of a severe reaction. Allergy shots may require years of treatment, but they work in most cases. However, they may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and dangerous outcomes (such as anaphylaxis).
Complications
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Breathing problems and discomfort during the allergic reaction
- Drowsiness and other side effects of medicines
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if: - Severe symptoms of allergy occur
- Treatment for allergies no longer works
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