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Treatment for Allergies

Allergies happen when the immune system reacts excessively to typically harmless substances, like food, pet dander, latex, and drugs. These physical reactions can vary but they often have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life if left untreated. Thankfully, there are medicines accessible to assist in the management of allergy symptoms. 

Types of Medications & How They Work

Allergy medications are drugs used to alleviate the symptoms associated with allergic reactions. These medications work by either blocking or reducing the release of histamine, a chemical that triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction. There are several types of allergy medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and immunomodulators.  

Drug Allergy

The following is a list of drugs used to treat drug allergies: 

  • Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are all examples of antihistamines that can be used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms of drug allergies. 
  • Corticosteroids: Prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron) are examples of corticosteroids that can be used to treat more severe symptoms of drug allergies. The drug impacts the immune system and can ease any inflammatory response.  
  • Epinephrine: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is often used for severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. The medication helps open up the airways, shrink the blood vessels and improve breathing. It also stabilizes blood pressure.  

Food Allergy

If you know you are allergic to a particular food, then you should avoid it because there is no known cure for food allergies. Instead, there are only medications that help to manage symptoms.  

Here is a list of drugs that may be used to treat food allergy symptoms: 

  • Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are all examples of antihistamines that can be used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms such as itching, hives, and rash. 
  • Epinephrine: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is used only for extreme allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis which can occur after ingesting foods you may be allergic to such as shellfish or peanuts. The medication helps to balance blood pressure and assist with breathing.  
  • Corticosteroids: Prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron) are examples of corticosteroids that can be used to treat more severe symptoms of food allergies. The medication impacts your immune system and also reduces swelling.  
  • Mast cell stabilizers: Cromolyn sodium (Gastrocrom) is a medication that can be used to prevent allergic reactions to food by stabilizing mast cells and preventing the release of histamine. 

Insect Allergy

Insect allergies can cause a range of symptoms, from mild itching and swelling to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. The primary treatment for insect allergies is to avoid exposure to the allergen, but medications can be used to manage symptoms in case of accidental exposure.  

  1. Epinephrine: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a medication that is often used if you have a severe reaction to a bee sting or some other insect sting. It can help the allergy sufferer breathe and restore normal blood pressure.  
  2. Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are all examples of antihistamines that can be used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms such as itching, hives, and rash. 
  3. Corticosteroids: Prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron) are examples of corticosteroids that can be used to treat more severe symptoms of insect allergies. The drug reduces swelling and helps control the immune response.  
  4. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves gradually exposing an individual to small amounts of an allergen slowly. It is believed that the exposure will help the immune system start to tolerate the allergen which will ease any unpleasant physical reactions.   

Latex Allergy

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex, which is commonly found in medical gloves, balloons, condoms, and other products. Treatment for latex allergy involves avoiding exposure to latex and managing symptoms if accidental exposure occurs. Here is a list of medications that may be used to treat latex allergy symptoms: 

  • Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are all examples of antihistamines that can be used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms such as itching, hives, and rash. 
  • Corticosteroids: Prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron) are examples of corticosteroids that can be used to treat more severe symptoms of latex allergies. It can ease skin swelling and itching.  
  • Epinephrine: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is used only for severe reactions to allergens. It is often used to treat anaphylaxis. The medication improves breathing and restores blood pressure balance.   

Mould allergies are caused by exposure to mould spores, which are present in damp and humid environments such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and respiratory problems. The primary treatment for mould allergies is to avoid mould exposure, but medications can be used to manage symptoms.  

Here is a list of medications that may be used to treat mould allergy symptoms: 

  • Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are all examples of antihistamines that can be used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. 
  • Nasal corticosteroids: Fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), budesonide (Rhinocort), and triamcinolone (Nasacort) are examples of nasal corticosteroids that can be used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and relieve congestion caused by mould allergies. 
  • Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) are examples of decongestants that can be used to relieve nasal congestion caused by mould allergies. These medications work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and improve breathing. 
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy teaches the body to tolerate mould by slow exposure to the substance. In time, as the body becomes used to the mould, it stops having an allergic reaction to the substance.   

Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are caused by exposure to pet dander, which is made up of tiny flakes of skin, hair, and saliva from cats, dogs, and other animals. Sufferers of pet allergies often start sneezing and experience a runny nose, respiratory issues and itching, and red eyes. The primary treatment for pet allergies is to avoid exposure to pet dander, but medications can be used to manage symptoms.  

Common medications used to relieve the symptoms of pet allergies include:  

  • Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are all examples of antihistamines that can be used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. 
  • Nasal corticosteroids: Fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), budesonide (Rhinocort), and triamcinolone (Nasacort) are examples of nasal corticosteroids that can be used to reduce swelling within the nasal passages to improve breathing.  
  • Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) are examples of decongestants that can be used to relieve nasal congestion caused by pet allergies. These medications work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and improve breathing. 
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy takes time and involves exposing the body to small amounts of the allergen to build a natural tolerance. 

Side Effects  

Medication used to treat allergies may have different types of side effects.  

Here are some of the frequent side effects of medications commonly used to treat various types of allergies: 

  • Antihistamines: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, headache, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, confusion, and in rare cases, an irregular heartbeat or seizures. 
  • Corticosteroids: weight gain, increased appetite, mood changes, acne, increased risk of infection, thinning skin, osteoporosis, cataracts, and high blood sugar levels. 
  • Epinephrine (adrenaline): nervousness, headache, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating.  
  • Nasal corticosteroids: nasal irritation, nosebleeds, sore throat, headache, and in rare cases, vision changes or cataracts. 

It is important to talk to a healthcare professional about any potential side effects of allergy medications and to report any adverse reactions. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, medications play a crucial role in treating allergies and managing their symptoms. Allergies can significantly impact every aspect of a person’s life leading to discomfort and even serious health complications. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators can provide relief from allergy symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent severe allergic reactions.  

While medications may not cure allergies, they can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life and ability to function. It’s important to work with your doctor to customize a treatment plan for your specific allergies, including the use of medications as needed. 

 
 
 

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