Step 7: Introduction to allergy treatment

Return to Index Step 1: What is an Allergy? Step 2: The Role of the Immune System Step 3: What Substances Cause Allergies? Step 4: Allergy-Related Conditions Step 5: Should You See an Allergist? Step 6: Allergy Testing and Diagnosis Step 7: Introduction to Allergy Treatment Step 8: Avoid Allergy Triggers Step 9: Types of Allergy Medication Step 10: Over-the-Counter vs Prescription Drugs Step 11: Immunotherapy Step 12: You and Your Doctor Are a Team Key Points Glossary

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Doctors use several approaches to help people with allergies: 1) test to see what the patient is allergic to; 2) advise the patient on ways to avoid the allergen as much as possible; 3) prescribe or recommend medication to relieve symptoms; 4) and give a long-term series of allergy shots (immunotherapy) if medication doesn't help. Although there is no cure for allergies, one of these strategies -- or a combination of them -- can usually provide relief from allergy symptoms.

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To learn if acupuncture and homeopathy work for treating allergies, read alternative medications and allergies.

Review Date: 6/29/2011
Reviewed By: Paula J. Busse, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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