Introduction to allergy treatment

Treatment varies with the severity and type of allergy symptom. The first course of action is to avoid the allergen if possible. Medications such as antihistamines are then usually prescribed to relieve the allergic symptoms. Immunotherapy, or "allergy shots", is occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided. It includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses that may "de-sensitize" the body to the allergen.

Update Date: 10/1/2011

Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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