How do you get rid of allergies permanently

Are allergies permanent?

Allergies are common, particularly in children. Some allergies tend to disappear as a person ages, but many are lifelong.

In the United States, allergies are the sixth leading reason for chronic illness, with more than 50 million people experiencing various allergies each year.

Symptoms of allergies may interfere with a persons daily tasks and reduce their quality of life.

In this article, we examine whether people can get rid of allergies. We also look at prevention strategies and possible ways to manage allergies.

There is currently no cure for allergies. However, researchers continue to investigate potential therapies.

People can treat their allergy symptoms with medications and take steps to reduce their exposure to the allergen causing the reaction.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is not a cure for allergies but a disease-modifying treatment. It may help reduce a persons sensitivity or allergic response to allergens.

A doctor may recommend immunotherapy if:

• medications are not controlling allergy symptoms
• a person is unable to avoid allergens
• allergy medicines are interacting with a persons other medications
• a patient does not like taking medications

Some people no longer have significant allergic reactions to allergens following years of immunotherapy. Others may require ongoing immunotherapy to manage their symptoms.

Immunotherapy is available as allergy shots (SCIT- subcutaneous immunotherapy) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is also available for peanut allergies.

Allergy shots

Allergy shots involve having exposure to increasing doses of an allergen by injection over several years. Over this time a person becomes less sensitive to the allergen and reacts to it less severely.

Allergy shots help control symptoms of allergies to:

• pollen
• dust mites
• pet dander
• molds
• bees
• other stinging insects

SLIT

SLIT involves small doses of an allergen that a person takes in tablet or drop form under the tongue to improve tolerance to an allergen and reduce symptoms. It is commercially available for allergies to dust mites, grass pollen, and ragweed.

OIT

Peanut allergen powder (Palforzia) is currently the only OIT with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Palforzia may reduce severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, occurring with accidental exposure to peanuts in children ages 417.

Some people may outgrow allergies, especially allergies developed during early childhood. Whether someones allergy will disappear as they get older depends on what they are allergic to and the severity of the allergy.

Several studies suggest some food allergies may go away.

Around 85% of children outgrow allergies to:

However, only 1520% of children may eventually tolerate allergies to:

• peanuts
• tree nuts
• shellfish
• fish

One study also indicates that most children with an allergy to insect stings may not have allergic reactions into adulthood.

Some people report that other allergies, such as pollen and pet dander allergies, become less severe as they age.

Experts suggest that, with exposure to small amounts of an allergen over time, a person may develop tolerance. This is similar to the way vaccines or allergy shots work.

Although most allergies begin in childhood, they can develop at any time of life. Adults may also develop an allergy to something that did not previously affect them.

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen, for an invader.

The immune system overreacts to the substance, which is also known as an allergen, by producing antibodies. The antibodies then travel to cells that release the chemical histamine when triggered, which causes an allergic reaction.

The process in the body is complex, and it results in the allergy symptoms a person experiences as allergies.

People with allergies experience many nasal passage, lung, and skin symptoms. Treatments for allergy symptoms include:

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine in the body. Examples of oral antihistamines include:

• loratadine (Claritin)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Antihistamines can help alleviate allergy symptoms, such as:

• itchy, watery eyes
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• hives

Antihistamines may also prevent these symptoms from occurring if people take them before coming into contact with an allergen.

Most oral antihistamines are now available over the counter (OTC). Nasal antihistamine sprays are available by prescription.

Nasal corticosteroids

Steroid nasal sprays, also known as nasal corticosteroids, are nose sprays that reduce swelling in the nasal passages.

Examples of OTC nasal corticosteroids include:

• fluticasone nasal (Flonase)
• triamcinolone nasal (Nasacort Allergy 24HR)
• budesonide nasal (Rhinocort Allergy)

Nasal corticosteroids relieve symptoms such as:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• stuffy nose
• itchy, watery eyes

Doctors can also prescribe other corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as beclometasone (Beconase).

Decongestants

Decongestants are medications that provide short-term relief from a stuffy nose. They reduce inflammation in the noses blood vessels, which helps the airways open and relieve congestion.

Common OTC oral decongestants include oxymetazoline nasal (Vicks Sinex) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may be available behind the pharmacy counter or by prescription.

Mast cell stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom), prevent the release of chemicals that cause inflammation, including histamine and leukotrienes.

This prevents allergy symptoms from occurring, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Oral corticosteroids

A doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, for severe allergy symptoms. Oral corticosteroids reduce inflammation and prevent severe allergic reactions.

A doctor will monitor a person taking oral corticosteroids because the medication may cause severe side effects.

Topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, reduce skin inflammation and irritation. They are available OTC and with a prescription as creams, gels, and lotions.

Epinephrine

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. During anaphylaxis, a person may experience constriction of the airways and swelling of the throat. Blood vessels may also expand, which can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.

Doctors prescribe an injection-based medication called epinephrine to prevent anaphylaxis from becoming life-threatening in people with potentially severe allergies. Epinephrine is more commonly known as adrenaline.

Epinephrine improves breathing and contracts blood vessels to continue supplying the heart and brain with blood.

If a person thinks they are having an anaphylactic reaction, they should use their self-injectable epinephrine and call 911.

The most important step a person can take to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen that triggers their allergy.

Avoiding allergens is not always practical or possible for example, if a person is allergic to their pets dander or is a gardener with a pollen allergy. In these cases, a doctor can help prepare an allergy management plan to reduce allergen contact and manage symptoms with medicines.

If someone is unclear on the cause of an allergy, they may find it helpful to keep a diary. Keeping track of their whereabouts, actions, and diet can help a person identify what triggers or worsens their symptoms.

A person should consult their doctor or an allergist if they experience persistent allergy symptoms that do not ease with OTC treatments or that interfere with carrying out their daily tasks.

An allergist is a doctor that specializes in treating allergies.

If someone experiences symptoms of anaphylaxis, they should inject themselves with epinephrine and immediately call 911.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• difficulty breathing, such as fast or shallow breath
• wheezing
• rapid heartbeat
• anxiety or confusion
• low blood pressure
• feeling lightheaded or faint
• losing consciousness

If a person has previously had a severe allergic reaction, they should wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. These can let other people know how to help if they have a severe allergic reaction and cannot communicate.

There is currently no cure for allergies. However, there are OTC and prescription medications that may relieve symptoms.

Avoiding allergy triggers or reducing contact with them can help prevent allergic reactions. Over time, immunotherapy may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Some people may outgrow an allergy, or it may become less severe as a person ages.

If a person experiences a severe allergic reaction, they should get help from a healthcare professional immediately.

Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud

Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud

Relieve seasonal allergies with these tried-and-true techniques.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Spring means flower buds and blooming trees and if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Seasonal allergies also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis can make you miserable. But before you settle for plastic flowers and artificial turf, try these simple strategies to keep seasonal allergies under control.

Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

To reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
• Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don't hang laundry outside pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.

Take extra steps when pollen counts are high

Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up when there's a lot of pollen in the air. These steps can help you reduce your exposure:

• Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels.
• If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.
• Close doors and windows at night if possible or any other time when pollen counts are high.
• Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.

Keep indoor air clean

There's no miracle product that can eliminate all allergens from the air in your home, but these suggestions may help:

• Use air conditioning in your house and car.
• If you have forced air heating or air conditioning in your house, use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules.
• Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
• Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
• Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.

Try an over-the-counter remedy

Several types of nonprescription medications can help ease allergy symptoms. They include:

• Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert).
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms. Examples include fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour). Talk to your health care provider about long-term use of corticosteroid nasal sprays.
• Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. This nasal spray can ease allergy symptoms by blocking the release of immune system agents that cause symptoms. It works best if treatment is started before exposure to allergens. It's considered a very safe treatment, but it usually needs to be used 4 to 6 times daily.
• Oral decongestants. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. Some allergy medications combine an antihistamine with a decongestant. Examples include cetirizine-pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D 12 Hour), fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D 12 Hour Allergy and Congestion) and loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D). Talk to your health care provider about whether the use of a decongestant is good for treating your allergy symptoms.

Rinse your sinuses

Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution (nasal irrigation) is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose.

Saline solutions can be purchased ready-made or as kits to add to water. If you use a kit or home-made saline solution, use bottled water to reduce the risk of infection.

Homemade solutions should have 1 quart (1 liter) of water, 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) of canning salt and 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of baking soda.

Rinse the irrigation device after each use with clean water and leave open to air-dry.

Alternative treatments

A number of natural remedies have been used to treat hay fever symptoms. Treatments that may improve symptoms include extracts of the shrub butterbur, spirulina (a type of dried algae) and other herbal remedies. Based on the limited number of well-designed clinical trials, there is not enough evidence to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of these remedies.

Results of studies of acupuncture have shown possible limited benefit, but the results of studies have been mixed.

Talk to your doctor before trying alternative treatments.

When home remedies aren't enough

For many people, avoiding allergens and taking nonprescription medications is enough to ease symptoms. But if your seasonal allergies are still bothersome, don't give up. A number of other treatments are available.

If you have bad seasonal allergies, your health care provider may recommend that you have skin tests or blood tests to find out exactly what allergens trigger your symptoms. Testing can help determine what steps you need to take to avoid your specific triggers and identify which treatments are likely to work best for you.

For some people, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) can be a good option. Also known as desensitization, this treatment involves regular injections containing tiny amounts of the substances that cause your allergies. Over time, these injections reduce the immune system reaction that causes symptoms. For some allergies, treatment can be given as tablets under the tongue.

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Feb. 28, 2024Show references

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