Dealing With Allergies? 3 Treatment Options

Allergies can be incredibly difficult to deal with. For many people, allergies are an annoyance that they deal with on occasion. For others, allergies can be life-threatening. There are also a variety of allergies to deal with. Some have food allergies, while others are impacted by pollen, mold, and pet dander. Allergies run the gamut from mild to severe, but treatment is important no matter how strong the symptoms. Here are three allergy treatment options to consider.

Medication

The good news for many allergy sufferers is that there is a variety of both prescription and over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat allergy symptoms. These medications are available in liquid, pill, and tablet forms as well as nasal sprays, creams, and ointments. Medications that can treat allergy symptoms include antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine, and decongestants. The type of medication that will work best for you will depend on what you are allergic to and the severity of your allergies. Many mild allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Your allergist can give you recommendations for which medications will work best for your needs.

Allergy Shots

While medication can be very effective, it typically wears off and must be taken on a regular basis. If you are looking for a more permanent solution for your allergy symptoms, there are options to choose from. One of these options is allergy shots. Allergy shots. when administered regularly, gradually decrease your body's response to certain allergens. Allergy shots typically cost between $20 and $100 per visit. Initially these shots are often administered weekly, but over time they may only be needed every other week or once per month. Shots are often needed for three to five years before the symptoms are completely eliminated.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Another option that may work for you is sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT. This therapy involves receiving small doses of an allergen under the tongue. This therapy can be used to treat a variety of allergies ranging from nasal allergies to even asthma. The cost of this therapy can vary depending on the type of allergen you are allergic to. Overall, it tends to be fairly affordable, especially when compared to allergy shots. On average, SLIT costs $1.50 per day for the first year of treatment and $1 per day after that.

If you suffer from allergies, there are options and treatments that can help. Medication, allergy shots, and sublingual immunotherapy can help. If you are looking for ways to reduce or eliminate your allergy symptoms, you may want to discuss these options with an allergist.