Allergies

Alternative names:

allergic response

Treatment:

Treatment varies with the severity and type of symptom. Short-term goals include relieving immediate symptoms. Long-term goals include avoiding future allergic reactions.

Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone or prednisone reduce the immune response and may be prescribed to reduce symptoms. Epinephrine is used to reduce swelling of the airways and other life-threatening symptoms. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine often provide good relief of mild to moderate symptoms.

Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema) may require other treatments.

Avoidance of the allergen is the best long-term treatment, particularly with allergic reaction to foods or medications

Desensitization (immunotherapy, "allergy shots") is occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided. It includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses that may "acclimatize" the body to the antigen.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See asthma and allergy - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most allergies are readily treated. However, treatment only affects that exposure, so subsequent exposures cause another allergic reaction.

Rarely, people may "outgrow" an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. However, as a general rule, once a substance has provoked an allergic reaction, it continues to affect the person, and may cause an increasingly severe response with repeated exposures.

Desensitization may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous outcomes (such as anaphylaxis). It may require years of treatment and is effective in about two-thirds of cases.

Complications:

• anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
• discomfort during the allergic reaction
• disruption of lifestyle
• drowsiness and other side effects of antihistamines
• side effects of other medications (see the specific medication)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if severe symptoms of allergy occur, if previously successful treatment has become ineffective, or if symptoms appear severe or do not respond to treatment.