Allergies - How Can I Treat Them?

To evaluate whether you have an allergy, your doctor will likely:

• Ask detailed questions about signs and symptoms
• Perform a physical exam
• Have you keep a detailed diary of symptoms and possible triggers

Allergy treatments include:

1. Allergen avoidance. Your doctor will help you take steps to identify and avoid your allergy triggers.
2. Medications. Depending on your allergy, medications can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms. Your doctor might suggest overthe-counter or prescription medication in the form of pills or liquid, nasal sprays, or eyedrops.
3. Immunotherapy. For severe allergies or allergies not completely relieved by other treatment, your doctor might recommend allergen immunotherapy. This treatment involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts, usually given over a period of a few years.  Another form of immunotherapy is a tablet that’s placed under the tongue (sublingual) until it dissolves. Sublingual drugs are used to treat some pollen allergies.
4. Emergency epinephrine. If you have a severe allergy, you might need to carry an emergency epinephrine shot at all times. Given for severe allergic reactions, an epinephrine shot (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, others) can reduce symptoms until you get emergency treatment.

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