Nosotros include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process.

Allergies are a common cause of illness and tin can occur at whatsoever phase in someone'southward life. Numerous dissimilar things cause allergies from pollen to food to medication, pregnant information technology is non always easy to know the best treatments or home remedies.

According to the Centers for Illness Command (CDC), more than fifty million Americans feel an allergic reaction each year, and the best handling will depend on the cause and severity of the reaction.

In this article, we take a close look at a range of treatments for allergic reactions, depending on a person'due south symptoms and their severity, including anaphylaxis.

Woman outdoors with common allergic reaction blowing her nose. Share on Pinterest
Many people take allergies, which may cause symptoms such every bit coughing and sneezing.

An allergic reaction occurs when cells in the immune system interpret a foreign substance or allergen every bit harmful.

The immune organization overreacts to these allergens and produces histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergy symptoms, such as inflammation, sneezing, and coughing.

Balmy allergic reactions can usually exist treated with domicile remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

However, chronic allergies demand treatment from a medical professional. Astringent allergic reactions always require emergency medical care.

Many mild to moderate allergic reactions can be treated at domicile or with OTC medications. The following treatments are unremarkably used to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction:

Antihistamines

Antihistamines tin help to treat most minor allergic reactions regardless of the cause. These drugs reduce the body's product of histamine, which reduces all symptoms, including sneezing, watering eyes, and skin reactions.

Second-generation antihistamines, including Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), are less probable to cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl.

Antihistamines come in several forms, usually to help evangelize the medication closer to the source of the reaction or brand it easier to eat, such as:

  • oral pills
  • dissolvable tablets
  • nasal sprays
  • liquids
  • eye drops

Antihistamines in these forms are bachelor from pharmacies, to buy online, or on prescription from a physician.

Antihistamines can also be taken to prevent allergies. Many people with seasonal or pet allergies will begin taking antihistamines when they know they are going to be exposed to an allergen.

A person who is pregnant or has a liver disorder should consult their doctor before taking antihistamines.

Nasal decongestants

Nasal decongestant pills, liquids, and sprays can likewise assist reduce stuffy, bloated sinuses and related symptoms, such as a sore throat or cough.

Nevertheless, decongestant medications should not be taken continuously for more than than 72 hours.

Nasal decongestants are bachelor over the counter and online.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may likewise be used to help temporarily reduce hurting, swelling, and cramping caused by allergies.

Avert the allergen

The best way to treat and forestall allergic reactions is to know what triggers the reaction and stay away from information technology, especially nutrient allergens.

When this is non possible or realistic, using antihistamines or decongestants when in contact with allergens can help to treat the symptoms.

Use a saline sinus rinse

Share on Pinterest
A saline sinus rinse may care for symptoms such equally a runny or itchy nose.

When allergies cause sinus issues, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommend a person rinse their sinuses with saline. This tin can remove allergens and clear the airways.

The AAAAI recommend the post-obit saline recipe:

  • mix 3 teaspoons of salt (without iodide) with 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of boiled water
  • dissolve the mixture in the water then use as a saline rinse

Sinus rinsing devices tin can be purchased online or from a chemist's shop.

Treating ecology allergies

For airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust, and mold spores, additional handling options include:

  • pharynx lozenges with soothing ingredients, such as menthol, love, or ginger
  • shower and wash all clothing afterwards being exposed to an allergen
  • exercise for a few minutes to help reduce nasal congestion

Treating allergies on the skin

For allergic reactions that cause peel symptoms, including those associated with allergens constitute in creature saliva, poisonous plants, drugs, chemicals and metals, additional treatment options include:

  • Topical corticosteroid creams or tablets. Corticosteroids contain steroids that reduce inflammation and itching. Balmy forms of these creams tin can be plant online, and a doctor tin can prescribe stronger versions.
  • Moisturizing creams. Emollient creams with soothing ingredients, such as calamine tin treat peel reactions.
  • Bite or sting medication. Medication targeted to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites or stings have a similar effect to other allergy medications.
  • Water ice pack. Applying an water ice pack wrapped in textile to the area for ten- to xv-minute intervals can reduce inflammation.

Treating astringent allergies

People should speak to a professional if they have or suspect that they have severe or chronic allergies.

A doctor or allergy specialist can prescribe medications that contain much stronger doses of the compounds found in OTC products.

Handling options for chronic or severe allergies include:

  • Immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Immunotherapy tin exist betwixt xc and 98 percent effective at reducing allergic reactions to insect stings, for instance.
  • Prescription asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
  • Oral cromolyn tin be taken for food allergies.
  • Drug desensitization therapy is used for specific allergens.

Many traditional medicine systems use herbal supplements and extracts to both treat and prevent allergic reactions, peculiarly seasonal allergies.

Though there is niggling scientific show to support the use of most alternative or natural remedies, some people may notice that some can provide relief from their symptoms.

The American Clan of Naturopathic Physicians recommend the following natural treatments for allergies:

  • Dietary changes. A depression-fat diet high in complex carbohydrates, such as beans, whole grains, and vegetables may reduce allergy reactions.
  • Bioflavonoids. These plant-based chemicals found in citrus fruits and blackcurrants may act every bit natural antihistamines. These can likewise be taken as supplements.
  • Supplements. Flaxseed oil, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E are suggested to meliorate allergy symptoms.
  • Acupuncture. Acupuncture treatments may help some people to find relief from their symptoms.

Share on Pinterest
An EpiPen is designed to treat anaphylaxis, and should be used at the first sign of a astringent allergc reaction.

A very astringent allergic reaction can atomic number 82 to a condition called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic stupor.

Anaphylaxis occurs when the body's immune response to an allergen is so severe and sudden that the body goes into a state of shock.

Anaphylaxis can touch multiple organs and if left untreated lead to coma, organ failure, and death.

The early on symptoms of anaphylaxis can be fairly mild and similar to those of pocket-sized to moderate allergic reactions, simply they oft rapidly worsen.

Symptoms unique to anaphylaxis include:

  • unexplained feet
  • tingling in the palms of the hand, soles of the anxiety, and lips
  • bloated natural language, throat, mouth, and face
  • difficulty breathing
  • rapid but weak pulse
  • low claret pressure
  • sense of dread or doom
  • vomiting or diarrhea
  • confusion or disorientation
  • loss of consciousness
  • very pale or bluish skin
  • a heart attack

Anyone who suspects anaphylaxis should call 911 and seek emergency medical care.

If the person carries an EpiPen, which is a self-injectable dose of epinephrine that is designed to treat anaphylaxis, inject this into their thigh, as soon as possible.

First assist for anaphylaxis includes:

  • try to keep the person calm
  • the person may vomit, so turn them on their side and continue their oral cavity clear
  • try to go the person to lay flat on their back with their anxiety raised most a pes above the ground
  • make sure the person's wear is loose or remove constricting clothing
  • do not give them annihilation to beverage or eat, fifty-fifty if they ask for it
  • if they are not animate, practise CPR with around 100 firm chest compressions every minute until emergency services arrive

If a person does not have an EpiPen, a doctor or paramedic volition give an injection of the hormone epinephrine, or adrenaline. This volition immediately increase the output of the middle and blood flow throughout the body.

A person should seek medical care each time anaphylaxis occurs. Even if they start to feel improve or their symptoms go away, a 2d severe allergic reaction can occur up to 12 hours after the initial response.

The symptoms associated with an allergic response depend on the specific allergen, how astringent the allergy is, and whether a person has touched, swallowed, or inhaled the allergen.

Not everyone responds the same way to each allergen. But there are like sets of symptoms most people experience when exposed to specific allergens.

Common symptoms associated with dissimilar type of allergens include:

Airborne allergens Beast saliva Insect stings/bites Nutrient allergens Drug allergens Metal/ chemic allergens
Sneezing/ itchy nose Y Y
Runny/stuffy nose Y Y
Coughing Y Y
Skin rash/itchy peel Y Y Y Y Y
Wheezing/ shortness of breath Y Y
Hives/welts Y Y Y Y
Pain, redness and swelling at the exposure point Y Y Y Y
Peeling /blistering peel Y Y
Watery, itchy, red eyes Y Y
Sore throat
Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea Y
Swelling of the throat, tongue, and mouth Y Y Y
Dizziness Y Y Y
Sun sensitivity Y
Itchy mouth/odd sense of taste in the mouth Y Y
Stake skin Y Y
Swelling of the eyes, face up, and genitals Y
Chronic joint or muscle pain Y Y

Many people experience allergic reactions when they are exposed to specific allergens, ranging from pet dander and pollen to compounds in foods, drinks, and personal hygiene products.

The best way to treat an allergic reaction depends on the crusade, though most modest cases can exist treated with OTC antihistamine and anti-itch products.

A person should seek immediate medical attention for chronic or astringent allergic reactions, especially those that involve swelling of the throat or changes in heart rate. Anaphylaxis should always exist treated as a medical emergency.