The best way to manage an allergy is to avoid the allergen, but this is not always possible. In these cases, medical treatment can help.
Medications
Drugs will not cure an allergy, but they can help a person manage the symptoms of a reaction.
Many treatments are available over the counter. Before using a medication, however, a person should speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
Options include:
- Antihistamines: These block the action of histamine, which the immune system releases during a reaction.
- Decongestants: These can help relieve a blocked nose.
- Corticosteroids: These are available in the form of a pill, cream, nasal spray, or inhaler. They help reduce inflammation.
- Immunotherapy: This can help a person develop long-term tolerance. A person will take gradually increasing doses of the allergen, either as a tablet or an injection.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (antileukotrienes): These may help with some allergies if other treatments have not worked. The drugs block some of the chemicals that cause swelling.
Treatment for anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening medical emergency that may require hospitalization. If you have a severe allergy, you might need to carry an emergency epinephrine shot at all times. Given for severe allergic reactions, an epinephrine shot (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, others) can reduce symptoms until you get emergency treatment.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that people at risk of anaphylaxis carry two epinephrine auto-injectors with them at all times. If one dose is not effective, the person will need the second.
Use an auto-injector to deliver a measured dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) within minutes of any severe symptoms appearing. Someone should also call the emergency services.
EpiPen is a common auto-injector. When using an EpiPen, the FDA advise people to:
- Hold the injector in one fist, with the orange end pointing downward.
- Remove the blue safety release with the other hand, without bending, twisting, or making any sideways movements.
- Swing and push the orange end firmly against the outer thigh, at a right angle to the leg. There will be a click as the needle exits from the orange end.
- Hold the needle in place for at least 3 seconds.
- After activation, the orange end will cover the needle, and the window will be blocked. If the needle tip is still visible, do not reuse it.
Do not use the thumb to flip off the blue safety release. Always use two hands to prepare the injector.
Incorrectly removing the safety device can cause the injector to release its contents too early. As a result, there may be no medication in the device when a person needs it.
The EpiPen is just one type of injector; there are many different versions. All injectors have the same effect, but the ways of using them may differ.