Allergy treatment

Allergies to pollens, dust, pet dander or other inhaled particles are very common. But many people aren’t 100% certain what’s causing their allergies.

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our ear, nose and throat specialists perform allergy testing to pinpoint what’s affecting you. Then they use that information to provide the most effective treatment options to relieve your allergy symptoms.

What is allergy treatment?

Allergy treatment includes a variety of methods people use to cope with allergies. Treatment can be effective against many common allergens, such as pet dander or seasonal pollens and grasses.

Different types of allergy treatments work in different ways. Some help prevent allergic reactions. Others lessen the severity of allergy symptoms or provide relief from them.

Types of allergy treatment

Depending on what you’re allergic to and the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend different treatment methods.

Types of allergy treatment include:

• Avoidance: Taking steps to avoid the things you’re allergic to is the best way to prevent symptoms. Allergy avoidance can mean keeping windows closed, staying indoors on high pollen-count days and staying away from dogs and cats.
• Antihistamine medications: These medications block histamines, the compounds released by the body that trigger an allergic reaction. You can get antihistamines in oral pills or nose sprays.
• Nasal steroid sprays: These sprays reduce swelling in the nasal passages to help prevent an itchy, stuffy, runny nose due to allergies.
• Immunotherapy injections: These are also called allergy shots. You start by receiving small concentrations of whatever you’re allergic to injected into your upper arm. Gradually, the dose increases, which also increases your immune system’s tolerance. After you’ve reached the maximum dose, you’ll stop getting shots. Many people get relief from their allergies for several years after completing a course of immunotherapy.
• Sublingual immunotherapy: Instead of allergy shots, you can receive immunotherapy sublingually (under the tongue). Your doctor gives you drops or dissolving tablets containing the allergen that you place under your tongue. It’s absorbed into the body and works like allergy shots to boost your tolerance to the allergen.

Conditions benefiting from allergy treatment

Antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunotherapy are all used to treat inhalant allergies. These occur when you inhale a substance that your body has an allergic reaction to. Conditions include allergies to:

• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pet dander
• Pollens from grasses, trees and weeds

Allergy treatment side effects

Different types of allergy treatments may have different side effects. All over-the-counter allergy medications should be used according to the package directions. Consult your doctor before using any new medication.

Antihistamines are generally considered safe for adults and children over age 2. Always follow the dosing instructions carefully. Possible side effects of antihistamines can include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Excitability

Nasal steroid sprays can damage tissue in the nasal passages. Used incorrectly, they can, in rare instances, result in a perforation (hole) in the bone that separates the nostrils.

Allergy immunotherapies (shots or sublingual) typically have few side effects. The most common is a mild reaction – such as redness or swelling – at the injection site. You might also see a slight increase in allergy symptoms for a few hours after your treatment.

Serious side effects of immunotherapy are rare but could include a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. If this occurs, you may have swelling in your throat, tightness in your chest or difficulty breathing. Because of this small risk, patients must be monitored in the doctor’s office for at least 30 minutes after each treatment.