Allergy treatments

Introduction

Allergies can range from a nuisance to near fatal. The type of treatment you will need depends on what type of allergy you have, what your symptoms are, and how severe they are. A lot of medications are based around suppressing the immune system, or parts of the immune system, so they do not cause symptoms.

The major types of medication which may be of help are:

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Leukotriene antagonists
• Beta-2 adrenergic agonists (for respiratory symptoms)
• Adrenaline (used in anaphylaxis)

There are also other medications which might help, such as decongestant nasal sprays, moisturising eye drops, or skin creams.

These medications can be given in a variety of ways depending on what the exact problem is. Antihistamine tablets will do little in asthma where an inhaler is required, but an inhaler will do little to relieve episodes of allergic eczema.

Allergies Treatment Guide Index:

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• What are antihistamines?
• What are corticosteroids?
• What are leukotriene antagonists?
• What are beta-2 adrenergic agonists?

• What is adrenaline?
• What other medications are there which might help with my allergic symptoms?
• Is there anything I need to do before I start my medication?

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