There is no permanent cure for allergies, but effective management involves a combination of strategies including avoiding allergens, using medications, and in some cases, undergoing immunotherapy[4].
Key approaches to managing allergies include:
- Avoiding allergens: The most important step in managing allergies is to identify and minimize exposure to triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or specific foods[3].
- Medications: Various types of allergy medicines can help relieve symptoms:
- Antihistamines (such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine): Relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose, and hives. Available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or eye drops[4].
- Nasal corticosteroids (such as Flonase): Reduce swelling and are the most effective medicine for nasal allergies[1].
- Decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine): Relieve stuffiness but should be used short-term to avoid rebound symptoms[1].
- Mast cell stabilizers: Help prevent release of histamine, especially useful for itchy, watery eyes or a runny nose. Best if started before allergy season[1].
- Leukotriene modifiers (such as montelukast): Used for allergic rhinitis to block chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling[5].
- Anticholinergics: Reduce mucus production, used as a nasal spray for runny nose symptoms[5].
- Immunotherapy: This treatment involves regular exposure to gradually increasing doses of allergens, either by injection (allergy shots) or sublingually (tablet under the tongue), to train the immune system to tolerate the allergen[2]. It is especially useful for those with severe allergies or when symptoms are not controlled by other treatments[3].
- Biologic medicines: Newer medications, such as omalizumab, dupilumab, and mepolizumab, target specific pathways in the immune system and are prescribed for certain allergic conditions, including asthma and severe urticaria[2].
- Emergency treatment: For life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), emergency epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) is critical and must be administered immediately[1].
- Environmental controls and prevention: Keep living spaces clean, use air purifiers, change air filters regularly, and avoid outdoor activities during high pollen seasons if pollen is a trigger[7].
- Saline nasal rinses: Daily use of saline rinse can help clear allergens from the nasal passages and reduce symptoms[8].
For the best results, consult with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized allergy management plan that may involve a combination of these treatments.
References
- [1] Allergy Treatments – Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- [2] Allergy medications: Know your options – Mayo Clinic
- [3] Allergies – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
- [4] Allergy Medications – WebMD
- [5] How are Allergies Treated? – Allergy & Asthma Network
- [6] Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal Allergies – FDA
- [7] Allergy Tips & Treatment Solutions – Aurora Health Care
- [8] How to treat an allergic reaction: Treatment and home … – Medical News Today
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