Overcome Hay Fever: Three Allergy Treatments That Make A Difference

6 February 2015
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

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If the thought of the approaching springtime leaves you running for cover, you may want to consider undergoing allergy treatments. There are many treatment forms for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Below are three common allergy treatments to speak with your allergist about.

1. Daily Medications

If you're one of the 50 million Americans affected by hay fever every year, you may have been prescribed a daily medication. For many, daily prescription allergy meds work just as they should and reduce or even completely eliminate symptoms.

For some, however, daily medications may not be doing enough. If you're on a daily prescription that just isn't cutting it, talk with your doctor about the other options available, such as allergy shots.

2. Allergy Shots

A common treatment that can be used as an alternative to, or even alongside, daily medications are allergy shots. Unlike prescription medications, allergy shots work by helping your body to slowly build a tolerance for the allergen. Your treatment will begin with small doses, and as your tolerance to the allergen builds, the doses will become more concentrated, until you've worked your way up to a maintenance dose.  

If you're allergic to dust mites, for example, you'll begin your treatment by receiving the smallest, least concentrated dose of dust mite allergen. Once you get to your maintenance dose, you'll able to receive the shots less often and still be able to encounter dust mites with little to no reaction.

3. Sublingual Treatment

A common practice in Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia, the use of sublingual allergy treatments are becoming more widespread throughout North America.

The patient will be given a small tablet or allergen extract drop which they will keep under their tongue for one to two minutes. The patient then swallows the allergen extract. Your allergist will decide how often the treatment must be administered, but full immunity to your allergen may be possible within three to five years.

Sublingual treatments are usually administered at home, which can make them more dangerous. These treatments should only be done under the supervision of an allergist, as they can help you decide if the treatments are worth the risks.

Don't let hay fever rule your life—speak with your allergist today. Even if you're taking a daily prescription medication, it may not be enough. Your allergist will know more about the benefits and risks associated with each of the treatments above, and will be able to help you decide which option is right for you. Contact a clinic like Allergy Asthma & Immunology Associates for more information.