Medications for Allergy

Is there a cure for allergies?

The answer is no, there is no cure, as yet, for allergies. To understand what I mean by “no,” we need to talk about what a “cure” really means.

You’ll remember that the root cause of allergies is your immune system mistaking something harmless like pollen as dangerous. Because it thinks pollen is dangerous, it uses all its might to expel the pollen from the body.

A true cure would prevent your immune system from making this mistake. Like giving it a pair of glasses, so to speak, so it can see what’s dangerous and what isn’t. As yet, medical science hasn’t found this cure. But we’re looking.

So what are the treatments we’ve been using, if they don’t help the immune system “see” better? They’re all aimed at trying to stop the immune chain reaction that kicks off once the pollen, or other allergen, is identified as the enemy.

This is what makes them imperfect. It’s very difficult to stop the immune system once it gets rolling while keeping it intact to defend you against real dangers.

Should I go to a doctor?

Most people make this decision based on the severity of their allergy symptoms and on their experience with over-the-counter medications. If either gets to be too frustrating, most people will seek the advice of a physician.

I understand why some people wait. Some may have had disappointing experiences. Perhaps the doctor seemed disinterested in allergies. After all, allergies aren’t a life and death problem. Yet, you and I know they can ruin your life.

Perhaps the expense of seeing a doctor puts them off. Or maybe they think that allergists will always want to give them allergy shots.

I believe you should seek medical advice sooner rather than later. Here’s why. Even though we don’t have a cure for allergies, we now have the best set of tools and treatments ever available to help you with this problem. There’s no reason for you to suffer, as people once did, either from the symptoms of allergies or side effects of medication. A lot has changed, as you’ll see in the balance of this program. A physician can guide you toward a new level of relief.

What should I be prepared to tell a doctor?

Because there is no 100% reliable allergy test available, doctors must rely on the information you give them to diagnose the problem. The information you give a doctor makes all the difference in correctly identifying your problem. If you come to your doctor prepared with good information, you’ve greatly increased the chance of getting real help. In addition to a description of your symptoms, here’s what you should be ready to tell your doctor:

• Do you live in a city or rural area?
• How old is your house?
• What type of flooring do you have?
• Are any rooms damp or musty?
• Type of heating?
• Do you have stuffed furniture?
• Type and age of window coverings?
• Indoor plants?
• Is the bedroom cluttered?
• How old is your mattress?
• Any unusual hobbies?
• How many times do you sneeze in a row?
• Do you have a runny nose?
• Describe what you blow out your nose.
• Do you have a scratchy throat? Nose? Itchy eyes?
• Is your nose plugged all the time?
• When did your symptoms appear?
• When do they subside?
• When are they the worst?
• When are they the best?
• What happens when you spend four or more hours in an air-conditioned environment?
• Do you feel better when it rains?
• Do you feel worse when it’s windy?
• What medications, if any, have you tried?
• Do you feel worse near animals?
• Do either of your parents have allergies? Describe them.

Should I go to an allergist over an internist, pediatrician, or family practitioner?

If your doctor pursues the questions we just reviewed, and you’re comfortable with your relationship, you may not need to see an allergist. But feel free to ask your doctor for his or her opinion. There’s no harm done in discussing alternatives.

If I go to an allergist, will I get allergy tests and allergy shots?

Allergists don’t always use allergy tests or allergy shots. They are just two of the tools available to diagnose and treat allergies. Using them depends on your particular case.

What are allergy tests?

Allergy tests identify allergens to which you have sensitivity. Usually, but not always, these allergens cause your allergy symptoms. The procedure is simple. A droplet containing an allergen is placed on a small scratch on the arm or back. Some doctors use tiny injections just beneath the skin. If the spot swells, reddens, and itches, then you are sensitive to that allergen.

The test results should confirm what the doctor learned from your history.

Some patients feel frustrated when their tests show they’re sensitive to a lot of things. This frustration is understandable. Yet, knowing which allergens can make you sick may guide you and your doctor toward solutions well worth investing time and energy in.

What allergy medications are available?

Allergy Medications:

• First-generation antihistamines
• Oral decongestants
• Decongestant nasal sprays
• Mast cell stabilizers – cromolyn sodium
• Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays
• Second-generation, nonsedating antihistamines

With all medications, be they prescription or over-the-counter, proper selection and dosages are important in getting results. The best source for this information is your doctor or other health care professional.

I should note that some amount of trial and error is often necessary in choosing medication, even under the guidance of a physician. This is because, as we discussed earlier, currently available treatments don’t deal with the specific root cause of your allergies. Rather, they deal with slowing down the immune system‘s response to the false alarm of pollen or other allergens. So some patience is required.

As you can see, there are several medications available for the treatment of allergies. Another treatment option are allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. After discussion with your doctor, he or she will be able to choose the treatment option that works best for you.