Diagnosing the source of the problem is merely the first step in addressing the needs of allergic patients. The management of allergy following diagnosis can be a complex process depending upon the number of allergens that elicit an immunological response and the severity of the associated symptoms. Following diagnosis, there are three courses of treatments for allergy, which may be used individually, or in concert with one another.
Avoidance and Environmental Control
Not really a treatment in the classical sense, avoidance aims to manage the environment surrounding the allergic patient. For food allergy, the food is eliminated from the diet (not an easy task, since there are many hidden allergens in processed foods). For dust mite allergy, allergen-barrier covers are available for bedding. Take the necessary steps to minimize your exposure to the triggers of your allergies. Ultimately, the goal of avoidance and environmental control techniques is to minimize exposure to allergy triggers in your patients.
Immunotherapy
Classical immunotherapy involves injection of an allergen solution into the patient in an effort to develop immune system tolerance. Immunotherapy is the only therapy option that treats the cause of the disease rather than manages the symptoms. New methods for immunotherapy are emerging in which the injections are replaced by tablets or drops that are placed under the tongue (sublingual immunotherapy).
Pharmacotherapy
Perhaps the most common treatment for allergies is the administration of antihistamine, either through over-the-counter or prescription medications. Most patients take these and other prescription allergy drugs without the benefit of identifying the allergens that are causing their symptoms. As a result, many of the patients who receive these drugs will require on-going therapy, the long-term health effects of which are unknown.
