Allergies show up in all sorts of ways, and doctors choose medicines that ease the symptoms best. Some meds shut down sneezing and itching quickly, while others stop flare-ups from coming back for a while. Picking the right medicine for the exact allergy can make a huge difference. Many folks don’t know certain treatments can stop future problems, not just fix what’s going on now. Knowing this saves a bunch of hassle and discomfort. This info helps anyone dealing with allergies who wants quick relief. Stick around to find out how the right medicine can flip the script on those annoying allergy troubles.

Discover all the possible treatments for allergies here.

The first step in treating allergies is to identify the allergen (for example, pollen, pets, mold, dust mites, or certain foods) and avoid it if possible.

Depending on the type of allergy, the doctor will suggest a variety of medications that will reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Allergy medications can be found in pill form, liquid form, nasal spray, eye drops, and topical creams. Some are available over the counter, others by prescription.

If you have a food allergy, the only treatment is to stop eating the food for the rest of your life. People with a severe food allergy, usually to nuts, peanuts, fish, or shellfish, which can cause anaphylactic shock, are advised to keep an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®, Twinject®) on hand.

Epinephrine slows down the allergic reaction while medical attention is sought. Note that allergies to latex, certain medications, and insect stings can also cause anaphylactic shock.

Main types of medication

Antihistamines relieve symptoms by blocking the release of histamine. Most are available over the counter, such as Claritin®, Zyrtec®, Reactin®, and Allegra®.

Decongestants, such as Sudafed® and Balminil®, relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses.

Anti-leukotrienes, prescription drugs, block the effects of leukotrienes (Singulair®, Accolate®). Leukotrienes, which are part of the prostaglandins, are produced by the immune system during an allergic reaction and contribute to the onset of symptoms.

Corticosteroids are reserved for more severe allergy problems. They prevent and treat inflammation. They are available by prescription only (Flonase®, Nasonex®, Dermacort®, Prednisone®).

Side effect: Some of these medications may cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist for more information.

Nasal douche is a practice that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion. It consists of rinsing each nostril successively with a commercial (for example, Salinex®) or homemade saline solution. To make your own saline solution, dissolve a quarter teaspoon of salt in 500 ml of warm water. The liquid is then introduced into the nostril using a bulb that can be obtained from a pharmacy.

Desensitization treatment

Desensitization treatment is mainly used in cases of a severe allergy to insect venom and allergic rhinitis, when medications are insufficient to relieve it or when the side effects of the medications are poorly tolerated.

It consists of administering repeated and increasing doses of the allergen over a period of three to five years. Desensitization treatment allows the body to become accustomed to the presence of the allergen and thus reduces the intensity of the allergic reaction according to Houses It World.

According to experts at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., this therapy has been shown to be effective for allergies to cats, dust mites, and pollen. In children, desensitization therapy can reduce the risk of asthma.

However, it should not be attempted in cases of food allergy, as it can lead to a severe anaphylactic reaction.

Medical treatments for food allergies
No treatment is available. Avoidance of allergenic foods, and injection of epinephrine in case of severe allergic reaction.