Treatment Options
Ways to treat allergy symptoms
There are ways to treat your year-round and/or seasonal allergy symptoms. The most important step is to see your doctor. Talk with your doctor about allergy treatment options. Medicines can make a big difference in how you feel.
Treatment options for allergies include:- Medicines
- Allergy shots
Allergy Medicines
Several types of medicines are available to treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms.
You can get some allergy medicines at the drug store without a prescription. Others are by prescription only.
Most medicines used to treat allergy symptoms are taken either as pills or nasal sprays. Ask your doctor which treatment is best for you. He or she can also talk with you about possible side effects and other drugs that you shouldn't take together with an allergy medicine.
Your allergy medicine works best when you follow your doctor's directions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about your medicine and how to use it.
For some people, allergies can be long-term conditions. Your doctor may tell you to keep taking medicine even when you feel okay. That's because treating your symptoms regularly may control them better.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are usually prescribed by a doctor who specializes in allergies. The shots are intended to help your immune system fight your allergens.
Allergy shots can be helpful. But they are not a quick fix. You may need months or years of shots. And the treatment may not work for everyone.
Allergy shots can be a good choice for you if you:- Have trouble avoiding your triggers.
- Have bad allergy symptoms all year.
- Don't get enough relief from medicines, have trouble taking your allergy medicines, or you can't take them regularly.