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 four general approaches to help people with allergies: advise them on ways to avoid the allergen as much as possible, prescribe or recommend medication to relieve symptoms, give a long-term series of allergy shots (immunotherapy), and provide ongoing education and communication. 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: May 25, 2005
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma.

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