Medication and Shots

Since avoidance won't necessarily relieve all allergic symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more medical treatments. Over-the-counter antihistamines fight the effects of histamine, which causes allergic symptoms. These medications can help stop sneezing and itching and relieve a runny or swollen nose. Side effects include drowsiness and a dry mouth. New antihistamines, available by prescription for children over 12 and adults, are less likely to make you sleepy. The medications in nose sprays can either prevent an allergic reaction or ease allergic symptoms.

In repeated visits to the doctor over a period of many months, a person with allergies can get injections of increasingly stronger allergens. These shots reduce the antibodies that cause allergic reactions and produce antibodies that protect against them. Allergy shots are time-consuming and expensive. Still, they remain the most effective long-term treatment for allergies.