A common non-medicinal approach to treating allergies is to simply prevent or reduce exposure to allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. For example, choosing to avoid consuming food that may be manufactured in facilities that process nuts or staying indoors during high pollen count days. However, sometimes avoidance is not possible or does not help fully reduce allergy symptoms. In such instances, medicinal approaches can be helpful.
A wide range of medications are available to prevent allergic reactions and ease symptoms. Common examples include decongestants such as Sudafed, antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and nasal steroid sprays like Flonase (fluticasone). Some are available over-the-counter, while others will require prescriptions from your doctor.
Sometimes, when exposure prevention together with regular allergy medications do not reduce symptoms, your doctor can recommend immunotherapy. This requires a referral to an allergy & immunology specialist. There are two types of immunotherapy. The first type involves a series of allergy shots containing increasing doses of the allergen to help the patient build tolerance over time (allergy shot therapy). The second type is called sublingual immunotherapy, which involves tablets that are taken orally.
For patients with extreme severe allergic reactions that are life threatening (i.e. anaphylaxis), it is recommended that they carry an emergency epinephrine shot (e.g. EpiPen, Auvi-Q) with them all times. Seek emergency medical care if you think you are going into anaphylactic shock. Do not take antihistamines. Immediately, use your self-injectable epinephrine and call 911. Do not delay.
