3 Traditional Treatment Options for Allergies | Covenant Allergy and Asthma

Every day, far too many allergy sufferers go without the help they need because they don’t understand how much can be done for their symptoms. Effective allergy treatment is simply life changing. Today, most allergy treatment options fit into the category of avoidance measures, medication options and/or immunotherapy. Covenant Allergy and Asthma has the expertise and compassion to help you further explore your options.

Avoidance
Many allergy symptoms may be treated by completely avoiding that allergen or allergens whether or not you use medications too. Such avoidance measures include lifestyle habits like using dust mite covers on bedding and avoiding the foods which could trigger an allergic reaction. At Covenant Allergy and Asthma, we can work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan talked to your particular allergies.

Medications
The most commonly used prescriptions for relief from allergy symptoms are antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines can help reduce sneezing, itching, runny nose and postnasal drip as well as rashes and hives. Decongestants can help reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen membranes within the nose and sinuses.

Other medications used for allergy relief include over the counter antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce the nasal swelling and inflammation, corticosteroid creams or ointments to relieve itching, and oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and stop severe allergic reactions. Prescription eye drops with antihistamines can bring relief to itchy, swollen eyes. Epinephrine comes in pre-measured self-injectable devices that can help in the case of a life-threatening, severe anaphylactic reaction.

Immunotherapy
For moderate to severe allergies, the most effective treatment is allergen immunotherapy. These are also called “allergy shots.” Allergy shots are considered a natural treatment which injects the protein of the substance that triggers allergic symptoms. Over time the immune system changes and no longer overreacting to the allergens. Treatments begin with two sets of injections once or twice a week. After a year or so, the injections occur every two weeks, every three weeks and eventually once a month. Complete treatment takes between three to five years.

These are just some of the treatment options used for allergies. In our next blog, we will discuss some of the newer allergy treatments available today. In the meantime, visit our website to learn more and make your appointment today!