Allergy Treatment Options That are Available Today
Allergies are fairly common and no matter the kind of allergy, the best treatment is to avoid the allergen. Proper treatment involves finding the cause of the allergy and treating it. There are a few common factors that cause allergy. These include pollen, pollution, or other such factors. Many tests can help determine the allergen. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can get it treated or avoid it. Not taking steps towards curing it will only make the situation worse. The common symptoms experienced are cold, cough, and rashes.
There are two allergy treatment options available for you to try.
Avoid Exposure To The Allergens
If the allergen can be removed from your environment, you can recover much sooner. It may not always be possible, and this is when allergy medications come in handy.
Here are a few ways in which you can avoid the allergen.
- Food allergies are fairly common. So be careful about what you eat.
- Many people have pet allergies too. If you have any pet allergies, get yourself tested. You can keep your pets in a separate place. Also, make sure that you keep your pets clean by bathing them regularly.
- Dust allergy happens when the surrounding is not clear regularly.
Allergy Medication
When you cannot get rid of the allergy by avoiding the cause, this is the best way to go. There are many medicines that you can get without a prescription. However, it is always better to consult a doctor before taking them as some are not suitable for everyone.
- Antihistamines
These allergy medications are sure to relieve you from the symptoms in no time. You can take them when you notice any allergy symptoms. It can also be used to prevent allergies. For example, you can take an antihistamine when you are exposed to an allergen. These medications come in many forms too. You can find them as tablets, creams, eye drops, or liquids. Go for the most suitable one depending on your need.
- Lotions And Creams
This type of allergy treatment option is useful when the allergy causes a rash on your skin. Lotions and creams can help eliminate the redness and the itchy feeling. You can get these over the counter. It is best to choose the mild ones first. They also moisturize the skin and protect the skin from the allergen. It will prevent the allergy from getting worse. Calamine is a good example as it reduces the itchiness to the bare minimum. It is very efficient and can be used for any skin irregularity.
- Decongestant
Allergies cause nose blockages. You can use decongestants to clear the blockage. They are a temporary solution and give you immediate relief. You can use it for a week to reduce the discomfort. Using it for long can alleviate the symptoms. You can find decongestants as tablets or nasal sprays.
- Steroids
Steroids are known to help reduce the inflammation caused by allergens. You can find them in many forms. Nasal sprays and eye drops reduce the inflammation in the nose and eyes. You can choose from creams for allergies like eczema or dermatitis. For asthma, you can select inhalers, and for allergies like hives, take tablets. It is always best to consult a doctor before taking them. Go for steroids if the other allergy treatment options do not help.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an option for those who have persistent allergies. If you have severe symptoms, this is the best way to go. The allergy treatment options you have here are tablets and injections in small dosages. Drops are also given for few allergies. These are administered in hospitals after a thorough check-up.
The allergen is treated slowly so that it does not grow immune to the medication or react severely. Immunotherapy will make your allergy milder.
Treatment For Severe Cases
Some people may experience life-threatening reaction like Anaphylaxis. If you are at risk of this, there are special injectors that are used in such cases of emergency. You may experience difficulty in breathing so when the attack happens – you should inject yourself on the outer thigh before calling for medical help. Always carry the injection with you to be on the safe side.
These are all the allergy treatment options available. Based on the type of allergy, you can decide the best cure for you. If the allergy stays on for too long, consult a doctor. It is not wise to take the treatment without any supervision.