Different Types of Allergy Treatments
Allergy is common in every other people. Some allergies are acquired by eating some foods that are known to cause allergic reactions such as shrimps and crabs or by touching on some plants and weeds that contain irritating saps and itchy pollens such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Allergies are manifested by the growth and spread of red spots on skin that are associated with itchiness. At times person may experience runny nose and worst fever. Allergies can be mild or severe; however, medical interventions may be needed to counter further complications of allergies.
Allergy Test Kit
There are a wide variety of allergy treatments. Basically, medical doctors induce allergy treatment to minimize the symptoms of allergies and allow the person to put a feet up from it. These can be taken as pills or liquids. Others come as a form of injection or cream that is simply spread on the skin to lessen the itchiness and heal the red marks. For nasal congestions, treatment can go as nasal sprays or inhalers. A person can actually choose between two options of allergy treatment. First, a person may choose from a wide variety of medical treatments or he may simply treat allergies at home through some naturally invented products.
Medical Treatment
The following are the major medical interventions of allergies.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are usually given to people with allergies related to histamine reaction such as sneezing, itching, asthma, and cough. The human body basically contains histamine but when this is triggered by the allergens, it release mast cells and basophils that cause allergic reaction to a person. Antihistamine then works to minimize the effect of histamines by blocking the binding of the mast cells and basophils to some receptors in the body. Taking antihistamines works after 15 or 30 minutes but the peak effectiveness is felt after an hour or two. They exist in tablet or capsule form and are prescribed by medical doctors under different brand names. For instance, Benadryl which is one of the oldest antihistamines and second generation antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, Clarinex, and Zyrtec.
Decongestant
Decongestants are usually prescribed by doctors to patients who are suffering from allergic reactions such as nasal and sinus congestion. They are available in nasal sprays, tablets, capsules and liquids. Nasal sprays are sprayed directly into the nose to constrict the bloating blood vessels and signal the nasal membrane to stop producing extra mucus which further congests the nose. However, nasal contestants can be used for not more than five days as it would cause adverse effect like addiction or a condition known as “rebound nasal congestion”. This is also not prescribed especially when the person has hypertension, unstable angina, or a history of stroke and heart attack.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are usually given to people who have allergic reaction related to asthma. It is considered as a steroid which works to lessen the inflammation and tightening of the bronchi. Corticosteroid can be inhaled or taken orally. Inhaled corticosteroid are best effective on clearing air ways and controlling extra mucus production while oral corticosteroids are best effective for chronic obstructive bronchitis such as acute exacerbation of the COPD which is basically brought by bacteria and virus infection. This may include symptoms like shortness of breath, changes in the quantity and color of phlegm. Other types of corticosteroid include Mucolytics/Expectorants, Anticholinergics, and Leukotriene modifiers. They are usually prescribed by doctors along with other drugs and exist in various brand names such as Aristocort, Celestone, Cortone Acetate, Cotolone, Decadron, Deltasone, Dexamethasone, Intensol, and Entocort EC in the United States.
Subcutaneous-Immunotherapy
Commonly known as allergy shot, Subcutaneous-Immunotherapy (SCIT) is an allergy treatment specifically intended for insect-sting related allergies that primarily cause anaphylaxis. This is a condition when the body experience hypersensitivity due to an allergic reaction with a medicine or venom from an insect bite. The shot is usually given in an increasing dosage per week or per month depending on doctor’s prescription until the maximum required dose is achieved. The allergy serum is injected via the lateral part of the arm and is known to be the most effective among all the treatments. High dosage of such can also cure rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and bronchial asthma.
Home Remedies
At times, there are some allergies which do not necessarily require medical intervention for some allergy treatments may simply be done at home. The following are the most common and immediate home remedies for allergies.
Saline Solution
Saline solution is made up from the mixture of water and salt. For allergies that are caused by pollen and dust such as clog nose and runny nose, the saline solution must be irrigated to the nose to clean up airway and drain inflammation. This solution can simply be bought in the nearest drugstore without doctor’s prescription but can also be made at home by mixing a teaspoon of salt, a bottle of distilled water, and a pinch baking soda.
Peppermint Tea
The swiftly changing weather in the United States mostly causes allergic reaction to a lot of people, especially during the pollen or fall season. Pollens may stick on the different parts of the body which cause itching, skin irritations, cough, and sneeze. When this happens, one of the best home remedies for allergy is the peppermint tea which actually comprise of a delicious smell and essential oil which acts as decongestant to relieve the irritated mucus membrane. To make it, a person needs to place ½ ounce of dried peppermint leaves in a 1-quarter jar then add boiling water and steep for five minutes. For supplementary benefits, the steam that comes from the boiling tea contains anti-inflammatory elements.
Homemade cream and lotion
Insect stung or bite usually causes the irritated part to turn red, swell, ache or itch, and worst, numb. Severe symptoms may include hard time breathing, swallowing, or swelling of the eyes and mouth. Some insects like bees leave their stinger after they set off from skin. In this case, the stinger should firstly be removed before applying the extracted juice from a plantain leaf to the injured area. Homeopathic remedies like Apis Mallifica, Carbolicum acidum and urtica urensare are also 30 x more effective in relieving burning and swelling skin. On the other hand, anyone could also make a homeopathic insect bite lotion to relieve itchiness by mixing one teaspoon of lavender essential oil and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. After ingredients are mixed together, the solution is simply applied softly on injured area. Lastly
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergy-medications/AA00037
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergy-medications
http://www.theasthmacenter.org/index.php/disease_information/allergy/medical_treatment_of_allergy/
