Allergies are unfortunate and semi-ubiquitous elements of life for the people they afflict. If left uncontrolled, they can seriously impact one’s quality of life and even cause severe medical reactions in certain individuals. Whether or not you need medication to treat your allergies will depend largely on how your allergies express themselves and their general severity.
If you suffer from allergies, this guide can help you determine whether or not you should take medications as part of your allergy treatment.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are a type of immune system condition that expresses itself as a hypersensitivity to substances and phenomena that are usually considered to be harmless to most individuals. Individuals with asthma can experience many symptoms in response to their trigger, including the following:
- Red eyes
- Itchy rashes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Runny noses
If left untreated, allergies can significantly impact an individual’s life and, in extreme cases, prove fatal. Following this, it serves to address one’s allergies promptly and with whatever treatment best suits the individual.
Do You Need Medication to Treat Allergies?
Many different categories of medications can treat allergies. They vary considerably between individuals depending on the severity of their allergies. Depending on how strong your allergies are, you might be able to curb them using simple over-the-counter medications.
However, if your allergies are severe, you might need a prescription medication to overcome your allergic reactions. Signs that might indicate that you should look into medication to treat your allergies include:
- Over-the-counter medications do not improve your situation.
- You have nasal congestion and sinus infections.
- Your allergy symptoms are severe and include symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
- Your allergies are significantly interfering with your ability to perform day-to-day tasks.
- You have allergy symptoms throughout much of the year.
The best way to determine whether or not you need medications to treat allergies is to take a visit to a medical professional who can help diagnose your particular case. From there, they can offer you a set of guidelines surrounding your best path forward for treatment.
Diagnosing Allergies
There are several methods to diagnose allergies. When you visit your physician, they will likely engage in the following:
- Asking you about your symptoms
- Asking you to keep a record of the foods that you eat
- Performing a physical exam
Doctors employ several physical exams to test for allergies. The most common are:
- Blood tests: Blood samples are sent to a lab, where they are tested for sensitivity to various allergens.
- Skin tests: The skin is pricked with small amounts of proteins found in common allergens. If a patient is allergic, a small bump will arise in response to the allergen.
Types of Allergy Medications
Many different types of medications can treat allergies. Their use in various situations depends on the nature and severity of your allergies. Some of the major types of medications used for these types of treatments include the following:
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a class of anti-inflammatory drugs that calm the respiratory system during an asthma attack. They are available in inhalers, injections, and pills.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are available as over-the-counter drugs and have proven effective in treating the symptoms of mild allergies. These drugs are often the first line of defense for treating allergies.
IgE Antibodies
IgE Antibodies are injected to treat severe and persistent asthma. They are effective in treating nasal polyps and chronic hives.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are also used as inhalers to treat asthma attacks.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene Modifiers can treat asthma and allergic reactions. These drugs combat chemicals known as leukotrienes, which cause inflammation.
New York’s Top Allergy Specialist
Dr. Mayank Shukla and his award-winning team want to help individuals cope with and overcome their allergies. If you are interested in discussing your particular situation with an allergy specialist in New York, contact our office today to set up a consultation and discuss your options.
