Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Treatment of Allergies

Wherever possible, the most effective way of treating allergies is to avoid all contact with the allergen causing the reaction.

There are many drugs available to treat the common symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, itchy mouth and sneezing. Many of these treatments are available over the counter; ask your pharmacist or GP for advice.

• Antihistamines treat allergies by blocking the action of the chemical, histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it is under attack from an allergen. Antihistamines can be taken in tablet, cream and liquid form. They can also be taken in eye drops and nasal drops.
• Decongestants help to relieve symptoms such as a blocked nose, which is often caused by hay fever, and dust and pet allergies. Decongestants can be taken as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays or in liquid form.
• Nasal sprays and eye drops: nasal sprays reduce swelling and irritation in the nose; eye drops relieve sore, itchy eyes. Some sprays and drops are only suitable for adults; ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before buying treatments for children.
• Drugs such as sodium cromoglicate and corticosteroids can be used regularly to stop symptoms developing. These are commonly available as nasal sprays and eye drops.

Another form of treatment is hyposensitisation. This can help people who have a specific allergy to something like bee stings. The person is gradually introduced to more and more of the allergen to encourage the body to make antibodies that will stop future reactions. This type of treatment must only be carried out under close supervision from a doctor because of the risk that it may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock.

For further information about treatment of specific conditions, including asthma, hay fever, and eczema, please see separate encyclopaedia entries.

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