For numerous people in the Atlanta area, allergies are a significant detriment to their quality of life. Fortunately, targeted allergy treatments can restrict the impact of common symptoms and prevent the most severe of reactions. But with only limited numbers of people seeking professional treatment, countless others are left to experience unresolved breathing, sinus, skin and digestive system issues. Here are the most effective, allergist-prescribed therapies currently available.
What Are the Main Allergy Treatments Used by Professional Allergists?
The immune system can be affected by a wide range of allergens, so allergy doctors draw on several treatment options to minimize symptoms. The following treatments are the most common and effective allergy solutions today.
1. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
Allergy shots are often assumed to be limited to seasonal allergies like hay fever. However, in practice, regular allergy injections (called immunotherapy) are effective in treating issues with mold, pet dander, dust mites, insect stings and other environmental substances.
The immunotherapy process is conducted at an allergist’s office. For the first three to six months, patients receive weekly or bi-weekly injections of an allergen. These small doses gradually increase during the buildup phase to promote immune system desensitization.
Next, a patient enters the maintenance phase – receiving one or two further injections each month for three to five years. A study of meta-analyses published by the National Library of Medicine confirms allergy shots are a safe and effective treatment.
Similarly, rush immunotherapy uses the same desensitization process, but the injections are condensed into a couple of sessions for accelerated tolerance building.
2. Oral Immunotherapy Treatment
One of the best treatment options for allergies to food is oral immunotherapy (OIT). The focus on immune system desensitization is similar to that of allergy shots, but OIT requires patients to consume peanut, tree nut, egg or milk allergens in their allergist’s office and at home.
And while patients may naturally feel concerned about eating a food they are allergic to, doses are minimal because safety is paramount. With oral immunotherapy, the goal is to safely reach a maintenance phase where an individual can consume the food without worrying about an allergic reaction.
3. Allergy Medication
Several medications offer benefits to people with various allergies.
- Antihistamines
- Corticosteroids
- Nasal sprays
- Antileukotrienes
- Eyedrops
- Decongestants
4. Emergency Treatments
Unfortunately, a small percentage of people with allergies will experience severe or life-threatening reactions. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector in case of emergency is essential. And with the unpredictability of allergies, mild symptoms could become severe without warning. Visiting your Atlanta area allergist for allergy testing and a personalized treatment plan offers a solution to prevent severe reactions and support the best long-term health.
First-Rate Allergy Treatment Services in the Atlanta Area
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides dependable allergy testing and proven allergy treatment options from our state-of-the-art practices. For a consultation in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek, contact us today. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.