Allergy Treatment and Side Effects

Allergies are usually treated in three possible ways. Some of these methods can be used alone or in combination.

1. Avoidance: This is most effective for food allergies. Once the allergen is identified, it can be avoided simply by removing it from the diet. Avoidance is more difficult for airborne allergens, however, which are often associated with a particular climate and environment.

2. Medications: Several oral antihistamine medications are available over-the-counter or by a doctor's prescription. A combination of antihistamines and nasal steroids can effectively treat allergic symptoms, especially in people with moderate or severe allergic symptoms. Oral and nasal decongestants reduce congestion sometimes caused by the allergic reaction. However, most medications are for short-term relief only. Nose drops and sprays should not be used for more than a few days at a time because they can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages. If you find you "can’t get through the day" without regular use of nasal sprays - see your doctor, and if you can, an allergy specialist. (For example, an ear, nose, and throat doctor.)

3. Immunotherapy: This is series of allergy shots, and is the only available treatment that has a chance of reducing allergy symptoms over the long term. About 80 percent of people with hay fever will have a significant reduction in their symptoms and in their need for medication within 12 months of starting allergy shots.