Depending on your specific condition and a number of other factors, the three most effective ways to treat allergies are avoidance, medication and allergen immunotherapy.
Avoidance
Once the allergens causing the problem are identified, avoidance is the best treatment. The costs are minimal with no medication side effects, and it can be a curative approach. Those who suffer from allergies to dust, molds, pollen, animal dander and other environmental allergens can take steps to reduce the amount of allergen contact. In addition, asthma can be triggered by various allergens and pollutants, so avoidance may prevent asthma attacks. We offer counseling and education on avoidance and ways to reduce exposure.
Medications
When avoidance fails or is not possible, medications may be required to treat symptoms. There are a number of safe and effective drugs, both over-the counter and prescription, to treat allergic rhinitis, eczema, asthma and other allergic diseases. Medications can treat acute symptoms, but they also may be used daily for control of symptoms, such as in persistent asthma.
Allergen Immunotherapy
Unfortunately, sometimes medications and changes to your environment cannot fully control allergy symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots) is an effective and safe treatment for people who suffer from a variety of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma and insect stings. When successful, patients experience a significant decrease in symptoms and require less additional medication.
Allergy shots build tolerance to the specific allergens that are causing a reaction. This is achieved by injecting increasingly larger doses of each allergen into your upper arms over a prolonged period of time. The first injections are very dilute and are given weekly. The concentration is increased gradually until a maintenance dosage is reached. Maintenance dosages are usually given every two to four weeks. Allergy shots should be continued for several years to be effective.
