Standard Process Allergy Treatment

Allergies present themselves differently in every person, but there's a standard process doctors follow for allergy treatments. If you have allergies, there are specific things you can expect from a visit to your doctor's office.

Avoiding Allergens

• To help prevent future allergic outbreaks, your doctor determines the item or items that cause your allergies and advises you on how to avoid contact with those things.

Medications

• Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat your allergies. These can include antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids. You may have to take these medications year-round or only during the specific season when your allergies occur.

Immunizations

• Allergy shots are an effective treatment for people who experience no relief from their symptoms with traditional oral medications. People who receive allergy shots generally receive a series of shots over a period of a few years.

Emergency Treatment

• If you have a severe, life-threatening allergy (such as a beesting allergy), your doctor may prescribe epinephrine as an emergency medication. Giving yourself an epinephrine injection (using an EpiPen or similar device) can reduce your symptoms until you can get medical attention.

Home Remedies

• If your allergies are environmental, you can help your symptoms by changing things in your home or lifestyle. For example, use an air filter or dehumidifier in your home to improve the air quality and restore proper breathing.