Medicine for Allergy.

It is important to note that that once the allergens which cause allergy in you, have been  identified, it becomes important for you to avoid them or any of its ingredients. Any food you buy must be checked for its contents to see if it contains anything which you have to avoid.

This will help to prevent allergy as the allergen which causes allergy itself, is prevented from coming in contact with the body. Allergy relief is obtained with allergy medication or an allergy shot. 

 Treatment for Allergy.

Allergy cure , many a times, seems to be just symptomatic relief from allergy symptoms. As seen below, treatment for allergies consists of allergy drugs which are given only for the symptoms. The real cure lies in identifying through allergy tests and avoiding the cause of allergy.

1)  Treatment of Skin Allergy.

Skin allergy manifests as hives, or contact dermatitis or eczema as explained in “What are the symptoms of Allergy”. Skin allergy treatment is as below:

Oral anti allergy pills.

Pills of anti histamine such as Avil are given to neutralize the effect of histamine which is released in excess and has caused  the allergic reaction. Steroids may also have to be given in more severe cases to reduce the inflammation. The dosage of steroids may have to given in a tapering form to prevent the side effects of the steroid. If super added bacterial infection has occurred due to scratching, then a course of antibiotics may be required.

Caution: Anti histaminic pills cause drowsiness and therefore you should avoid activities such as driving after you have taken these pills.

Allergy shots.

Allergy shots can be given in the form  steroids injections,  where the inflammation and pain is severe,

Topical allergy creams.

 Steroids and anti bacterial topical creams are also used for relief from symptoms. Application is 2 to 3 times a day.

2) Treatment of  Respiratory Allergy.

Respiratory system allergy gives rise to allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis and bronchial asthma. Refer “ What are the symptoms of Allergy”for details.

a) Treatment of Hay fever (Allergic rhinitis) is treated with allergy medications consisting of

• Anti histaminics and analgesics (for accompanying fever or headache) such as actifed.
• Decongestants like pseudoephedrine are given to clear a blocked nasal passage.
• Anti histaminic and steroid eye drops may be required for accompanying conjunctivitis.
• Antibiotics may be required for any super added bacterial infection. Decongestant and/or
• Ssteroid nasal sprays are also used to clear a blocked nasal passage. Inhalation of vapour  is also useful. Steroids play an important role  in reducing any inflammation that may be present.
• Treatment of Allergic Sinusitis: Treatment is along the same lines as mentioned above  for allergic rhinitis.

b) Treatment of Bronchial asthma. To treat the respiratory tract allergies

• Anti histaminics pills are given.
• In stubborn cases, steroids may have to be added.
• Broncho dilators are given to dilate the airways  which have constricted as a result of the allergic reaction.
• Broncho dilator pumps are also used to inhale the broncho dilator drug  which dilates the airway by direct action.
• Many a times, the asthma can be very stubborn and may require I.V. fluid administration which has been mixed with an I.V. anti histaminic and/or steroid and administed  over a few hours. Asthmatic attacks have been fatal and should be treated promptly.

 Image showing steps for allergy treatment.

3) Treatment of Allergy of  The Digestive System.

Digestive tract allergy symptoms,  as explained in  “What are the symptoms of Allergy” are loose motions, vomiting, abdominal pain among others.

• Here too, anti histaminics  form  the main drug for allergy treatment.
• Loose motions are treated with antibiotics and/or anti amoebic drugs, if such infection is found in the stool examination.
• Vomiting is treated with anti emetics like stemetil.
• As for abdominal pain, anti spasmodics are given  to ease the pain.
• Anti flatulent antacids are also added for flatulence.

4) Treatment of  Anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and has to be treated as such.

• Admitting the patient  to I.C.U. is of paramount importance.
• Sub cutaneous administration of Adrenaline, I.M. admin of anti histaminic like Avil  along with intravenous administration of steroids is the first line of treatment.
• The prime aim is to prevent the patient from sinking further as  he may go into shock.
• Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and other vital signs is vital.

5) Immunotherapy  Treatment in Allergy.

This therapy for allergy is recommended when the allergen cannot be avoided. This therapy consists of allergy shots of an allergy medicine, which consists of  the diluted extract of the  allergen. The doses of the allergen are small initially and then  gradually increased. The reason is to make your body gradually used to the allergen and your immune mechanism also gets used to the allergen. It takes 2 to 3 years for this therapy for allergy to show results.

Related posts:

1. Testing for Allergy
2. Allergy|Causes of Allergy.
3. Symptoms of Allergy.
4. How to Prevent Allergy.