Treatment

The best way to prevent allergy is by avoiding the allergen. Allergy sufferers should consult with a healthcare professional to receive personalised medical advice and the most appropriate treatment for their needs.

Allergen avoidance

Allergen avoidance involves taking adequate measures to reduce the allergenic agent from the environment in which we live and limit contact with it. This is the first step towards improving the symptoms of allergy.

Food allergy

While avoiding foods that trigger an allergy is often the first line approach to food allergies.  Identifying "hidden" food requires a high level of attention to reading food labels and assessing the risk of possible "contamination", despite which it may not prevent against accidental exposure¹.

House dust mite allergy

Our home environment must be treated to reduce the development of house dust mites: reduce the room temperature to 18-19° maximum, decrease humidity, air your house regularly, wash linen and duvets at 60°, clean and vacuum upholstery, curtains bedding frequently, dust and vacuum on a regular basis.

Pollen allergy

Avoiding allergy to pollen is more complicated since pollen is present everywhere in our environment. Some measures can help reduce exposure to pollen: wash your hair and shower after having been outside, prefer air conditioning to open windows during the pollen season.

Allergy to pets

Avoid contact with pets and pet stores, wash your hands after having been in contact with a pet, have your pet brushed and washed regularly by someone who doesn’t have allergies.

Symptomatic treatments 

Symptomatic drugs are often prescribed by healthcare professionals as first-line treatment to reduce the intensity of allergy symptoms and fight the inflammation caused by the allergy.

Symptomatic drugs are effective and may reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, although their effect does not continue after treatment is discontinued².

Most symptomatic treatments work in different ways to target the different allergy symptoms. They can generally be found over-the-counter. For example:

• Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction that causes swelling and itching.
• Decongestants are used to help ease a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). They may be helpful for congestion caused by various conditions, including allergic rhinitis.
• Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma. Corticosteroids are usually only available with a prescription and their use must be carefully monitored by a healthcare professional².

While symptomatic treatments can provide relief from allergy symptoms for allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema, they do not address the root cause of the condition. For individuals seeking a more long-term solution, additional treatment options may be necessary. Allergy sufferers should consult with a healthcare professional to receive personalised medical advice and the most appropriate treatment for their needs.

Adrenaline Auto-injector

Patients considered to have a severe allergic reaction may be prescribed and asked to carry an adrenaline auto-injector, which they must use at the first signs that indicate a potential severe allergic reaction.  Your doctor will be able to advise you on how and when you should use the adrenaline auto-injector including what medical follow-up you may require.