Allergy Treatments

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

Allergies are a widespread condition that affects approximately one out of every five Americans. They occur throughout the year in all types of climates and can be triggered by pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, food, chemicals, medications, and other environmental irritants.

With so many possible causes, finding the source of your allergic response is crucial to treating symptoms. There are three types of allergy treatment available: prevention, medications, and immunotherapy.

Prevention

The least invasive treatment method for allergies is avoiding the triggers responsible for symptoms. If you are suffering from hay fever (allergies to pollen, pet dander and mold), there are simple steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home. Common prevention tips include:

• Keep doors and windows closed, especially on windy days and during pollen season, using air-conditioning when necessary.

• Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high; if you must go outside, wear sunglasses to keep pollen from your eyes.

• Encase your mattress and pillows in dust mite-proof cases. Wash all bedding in hot water at least once a week.

• Remove carpeting from your home and replace with easy to clean material such as hardwood or linoleum. If carpeting cannot be removed, vacuum and shampoo regularly.

• Use only washable window coverings, such as cotton or synthetic curtains.

• Get rid of clutter and remove knickknacks that collect dust.

• Invest in a HEPA air filtration system to remove small allergen particles from the air.

• Keep potted plants out of the house.

• Avoid using a wood-burning fireplace or stove; smoke can worsen respiratory allergies.

• Wash the sink regularly and do not let dishes pile up; this can create a breeding ground for mold.

• Wash or replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats.

• Nasal irrigation (using a bulb syringe or Neti pot) can help reduce symptoms of hay fever.

• Keep your house at 68 F to 72 F. Dust mites and mold breed best in hot humid conditions.

• Do not allow smoking inside your home.

• Bathe pets once a week and keep them out of your bedroom and off furniture.
  

Medications

Allergy symptoms can often be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications and nasal sprays. Medical therapy provides short-term relief and may be enough of a solution for people with seasonal allergies or those whose symptoms are not severe.

If symptoms do not improve with medications, consult with an allergist about alternative treatments such as immunotherapy.

How Do Antihistamines Help Allergies?

Antihistamines are often the go-to drug for treating allergy symptoms. They work by reducing or blocking histamines, chemicals produced by the immune system that are responsible for common allergy symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes.

They are available in tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Antihistamines may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea, though newer generation antihistamines have fewer side effects.

Popular antihistamines include:

• Allergra

• Benadryl

• Claritin

• Chlor-Trimeton

• Tavist

• Zyrtec

• Clarinex

• Xyzal
  

How Do Decongestants Help Allergies?

When allergy symptoms include a stuffed-up nose, decongestants can provide relief. Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues that line the nose. They are available in pills, liquids, nasal sprays and nose drops.

Decongestants may increase anxiety or cause sleeping difficulty. If you have a condition such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes or enlarged prostate, consult a doctor before use.

Common decongestants include:

• Afrin

• Dristan

• Sudafed

• Suphedrin

Many antihistamines also contain a decongestant, such as:

• Allegra-D

• Claritin-D

• Tavist-D
  

How Do Nasal Corticosteroids Help Allergies?

Nasal corticosteroids are sprays that reduce inflammation of the nasal lining associated with allergies. They can be extremely effective at relieving symptoms but may cause nosebleeds, nasal dryness and sore throat. Nasal corticosteroids are generally safe to use long-term and are often available by prescription only.

Common brands include:

• Flonase

• Nasonex

• Nasacort

• Rhinocort
  

How Do Decongestant Nasal Sprays Help Allergies?

Decongestant nasal sprays are available over-the-counter and provide short-term relief from nasal allergy symptoms. However, overuse can cause a “rebound effect” where symptoms worsen. Patients are advised not to use these sprays for longer than three days.

Popular brands include:

• Afrin

• Dristan

• Vicks Sinex
  

How Do Allergy Eye Drops Help Allergies?

Allergy eye drops relieve symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, burning, redness and swelling. They may be over-the-counter or prescription and can include antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drops, decongestants, and mast cell stabilizers.

Common brands include:

• Clear Eyes

• Visine

• Refresh

• Claritin Eye

• Alamast

• Opcon-A
  

How Do Mast Cell Inhibitors Help Allergies?

Mast cell inhibitors prevent allergy symptoms such as runny nose or itchy, watery eyes. They work by inhibiting the release of histamines the immune system produces in response to allergens such as pollen.

They are available as nasal sprays and eye drops and must be started one to two weeks before allergy season and continued daily throughout the season.

Immunotherapy

Patients whose allergies do not respond to medical treatment may find relief through immunotherapy. Immunotherapy builds tolerance by introducing allergens to the body in small doses over time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When taken orally, it is called sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy and may be used as long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies.

They work by gradually getting your body used to the allergen with the goal of building tolerance. The process occurs in two phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.

The build-up phase involves injecting a small amount of allergen into the upper arm once or twice per week for a few months. The dosage increases at each visit. Once the effective dose is reached, the maintenance phase begins.

During maintenance, dosage is no longer increased and shots are given less often—typically once per month for three to five years.

Are There Any Risks with Allergy Shots?

Because allergy shots contain substances you are allergic to, risks exist. Swelling and redness at the injection site are common. Sneezing, congestion and hives may occur. More severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightness are possible. Anaphylaxis is rare.

Since shots are administered in a clinical setting, any reaction can be treated promptly.

What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots?

Symptoms do not improve overnight. Most patients notice improvement during the first year and continued improvement over the next few years. Allergy shots may also decrease symptoms from other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing.

Allergy Drops

Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) are a more effective treatment than over-the-counter pills because they target the cause of allergies rather than symptoms. They are also safer than allergy shots because they do not require a needle.

How Do Allergy Drops Work?

Allergy drops work similarly to allergy shots. The patient places liquid containing allergens under the tongue for one to two minutes before swallowing. This is convenient because drops can be administered at home rather than at the doctor’s office.

Patients typically self-administer drops three to seven days per week for an average of three to five years. The goal is to build immunity so the patient no longer experiences symptoms after treatment ends.

Are There Any Risks with Allergy Drops?

Side effects are typically mild, ranging from localized itching in the mouth to intestinal discomfort, which often resolves after several weeks.

What Can I Expect from Allergy Drops?

Allergy drops are a helpful option for patients who frequently rely on over-the-counter allergy medications or find allergy shots inconvenient. Currently, allergy drops are effective for treating asthma related to dust mites, as well as allergies to grass, ragweed, pet dander and tree pollen. Researchers hope to expand effectiveness for other allergies such as hay fever, eczema and food sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 to learn more or schedule an appointment.