How Are Allergies Treated?
Iuliia Bondar / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by Jurairat J. Molina, MD
Allergy treatments include lifestyle modifications to avoid allergens, medicines, and immunotherapy. Allergies, or allergic disease, occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen or an ordinarily harmless foreign substance. Exposure to an allergen, such as pollen, animal dander, or certain foods, can cause symptoms like a runny nose or trouble breathing.
You may see an allergist—a doctor with special training in diagnosing and treating allergies. The allergist will perform allergy testing to determine the specific allergens you are sensitive to and develop an effective treatment plan.
There is no cure for allergies, so treating them focuses on boosting tolerance to allergens, minimizing exposure, and relieving symptoms. Here's what you need to know about allergy treatments and how to live well when you have an allergic condition.
Medications
Allergy medications help reduce or eliminate symptoms. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications block or reduce the body’s immune response to the allergen and reduce symptoms.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most common type of allergy medication. Available over the counter or by prescription, antihistamines come in pill, liquid, nasal spray, and eye drop forms.
Antihistamines block histamine—a chemical released by the body when exposed to an allergen. These medicines help relieve symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and hives.
Antihistamines provide fast symptom relief and can be used as needed or daily. They are most effective when taken every day before allergy season begins.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation throughout the body to relieve allergy symptoms. These medicines are very effective in the oral form but should be used short-term. Long-term use can cause serious side effects like weight gain, osteoporosis, and insomnia.
Corticosteroids come in several forms, and each type treats different allergies:
Creams or ointments: Topical corticosteroids treat allergies that affect the skin and cause an itchy, red rash.
Nasal sprays: Nasal corticosteroids treat allergic rhinitis, reducing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages.
Oral: Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed in pill, capsule, or liquid form to treat severe allergic reactions. This is not a first-line treatment and is only used in special circumstances.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers prevent histamine from being released by mast cells—a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body’s immune response to allergens. These medicines are available over the counter as nasal sprays, eye drops, and prescription eye drops.
Mast cell stabilizers are most effective when used regularly and at least one week before allergy season begins. They help reduce allergy symptoms like stuffy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and red, itchy eyes.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers block the action of leukotrienes, which are chemicals produced by the body in response to an allergen. These chemicals cause inflammation, constrict the nasal passages, and lead to allergy symptoms.
Leukotriene modifiers are usually prescribed for people with asthma. These medicines are available as tablets for adults and chewable tablets and sprinkles for children. They are most effective when taken consistently at the same time every day.
Decongestants
Decongestants narrow the blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce inflammation and stuffiness. Most decongestants are available over the counter as nasal sprays, pills, capsules, or liquids.
Decongestants are only for short-term use because they can cause swelling and stuffiness to worsen over time. They also narrow blood vessels throughout the body and can lead to high blood pressure.
You may also have a rebound effect with this medication. Long-term use can provoke worsening symptoms once you discontinue the medication.
Epinephrine
Epinephrine is a prescription medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is severe and life-threatening and can occur in response to exposure to an allergen such as food, medication, or an insect sting.
Epinephrine is available in an injectable form and is given as an auto-injector device (EpiPen, AuviQ, or Twinject), which can be self-administered in emergencies. Epinephrine, which is a hormone that's also called adrenaline, works by:
Constricting blood vessels
Increasing heart rate
Relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs
People at risk of anaphylaxis should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and know how to use it. Epinephrine is highly effective at slowing or stopping an allergic reaction and can be life-saving.
If You Have a Severe Allergic Reaction
If you are experiencing anaphylaxis, use your auto-injector and get help immediately by calling 911. If your healthcare provider has not told you otherwise, plan to go to the emergency room after using an epinephrine auto-injector that is prescribed to you. This is to ensure you receive any additional medication or care that you may need if symptoms return or worsen.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as “allergy shots” or allergen-specific immunotherapy, is a treatment option for people with chronic environmental allergies. Immunotherapy involves gradually exposing increasing amounts of allergens to change the immune system's response to the allergen, making you less sensitive over time.
This allergy treatment is considered a safe and effective treatment option for allergies, and it can be beneficial for people whose symptoms do not respond well to other medications. It can take several months or even years for the full benefits of immunotherapy to be seen. While it's not a cure, it can substantially reduce symptoms and the need for other medications.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
SCIT, also known as allergy shots, are given as injections and are typically administered in an allergist’s office once or twice a week. The injections contain a small amount of the allergens you are allergic to, and the dose is increased gradually over six to 12 months to help you build a tolerance to multiple allergens.
Once you have built a tolerance, your allergist may recommend less frequent allergy shots. Immunotherapy may be discontinued if you no longer need allergy medications and no longer experience allergic reactions.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
SLIT is a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue. It is considered an alternative to allergy shots and may be recommended to treat grass, ragweed, and dust allergies.
The first tablet is administered in an allergist’s office, and most people can continue the therapy at home. How long and how often your allergist recommends you continue oral immunotherapy depends on the type of allergy being treated.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Many people with allergies consider using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help relieve allergy symptoms. The effectiveness and safety of many CAM treatments for allergies have not been rigorously studied, and most are not supported by scientific evidence.
While some CAM treatments may help reduce allergy symptoms, they should not be considered a substitute for standard treatment. Always consult an allergist before using CAM treatments, as some may interact with allergy medications and may not be safe for everyone.
Saline Nasal Irrigation
Saline nasal irrigation involves flushing out the nasal passages (nostrils) with a saltwater solution. The solution can be administered using a nasal spray bottle, a neti pot, or a bulb syringe.
The goal of saline nasal irrigation is to remove excess mucus, allergens, and other irritants from the nasal passages, which can help relieve allergy symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It can also help soothe dry and irritated nasal passages.
Saline nasal irrigation is considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment for allergies. It's also relatively inexpensive and can be done at home. There are no known side effects, but it is important to use a sterile saline solution and clean the equipment properly to avoid infections. Using tap water for nasal irrigation can be dangerous.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, which may help control allergy symptoms. Some studies suggest acupuncture may help reduce allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the best way to use acupuncture for allergies.
Herbal Medicine
Some herbal supplements, such as butterbur and stinging nettle, may reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. However, the quality and purity of herbal supplements can vary widely, and some may contain dangerous contaminants.
If you plan to use herbal remedies to treat your allergies, talk to a healthcare provider before consuming them. You'll also want to use only high-quality products from reputable sources.
Probiotics
Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain live bacteria and yeasts that help promote a healthy gut microbiome. Some studies have found that probiotics may reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Lifestyle
Along with following your allergist’s treatment recommendations, certain lifestyle habits can help prevent or reduce allergy symptoms:
Avoid exposure to allergens: The best way to control allergy symptoms is to avoid your allergic triggers. Depending on your triggers, this may involve avoiding outdoor activities during peak allergy season, avoiding food allergens that cause allergic reactions, regularly dusting and vacuuming, eliminating carpet, and installing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and getting enough vitamins and minerals can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Drinking enough water can also help keep mucus membranes hydrated and flush out allergens from the nasal passages.
Stress management: Stress does not cause allergies, but stressful situations can trigger the body to release histamines, which may worsen allergy symptoms. Finding ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling, can help manage stress.
Living With and Managing Allergies
Living with allergies can be challenging, but proper treatment can minimize symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Treatment, including medications, immunotherapy, and lifestyle modifications, plays a significant role in managing allergies.
Seeking support from friends, family, and healthcare providers can help you cope with allergies and minimize their impact on your life. Joining support groups and online communities can also provide a sense of community and camaraderie with others who also live with allergies.
A Quick Review
Allergy treatments include medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy (e.g., allergy shots). Lifestyle modifications, such as limiting exposure to allergens, can also help manage allergies.
Managing allergies can be a lifelong process, but with the proper treatment and lifestyle modifications, people with allergies can lead healthy lives. An allergist can help develop an individualized treatment plan that works best for you.
For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Health.com.
