In our earlier articles on all about allergy treatment and ways to remedy allergies, we have talked about various short term and long-term treatments for allergies. In this article, we focus on allergy relief – the most commonly used cures for treating a person in an acute allergic state.
Allergy relief involves reducing allergic symptoms like rashes, runny nose, cough, wheezing and managing dangerous situations like asthma and anaphylactic shock. Allergy relief can be accomplished by traditional (allopathic) or nontraditional (Complementary and Alternative Medicine CAM) methods.
Traditional methods of allergy relief mainly consist of allopathic drugs that act on the blood vessels (to reduce mucus secretion), immune system (to suppress immunity and desensitize the body against allergens) and hormones responsible for inflammation during allergic reactions. There are three main groups of allopathic drugs used for allergy relief:
Antihistamines – Antihistamines provide allergy relief by blocking the action of histamine, an inflammatory substance released when the immune system encounters an allergen, like pollen or mold. They are the most common treatment for allergic conditions like hay fever and urticaria (rash). Antihistamines are available in the form of tablets, decongestant syrups, injections, nasal sprays, creams and lotions that give effective relief from allergic symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and skin irritations including insect bites, stings and prickly heat.
Steroids – Steroids are immune suppressing drugs that can be taken in the form of tablets to reduce the immune system’s reaction to allergens. They can also be taken in the form of nasal sprays or inhalers to get rid of the inflammation in the airways, hence promoting easier respiration. This feature is typically useful for allergy relief in asthmatic patients. Apart from oral and nasal routes, steroids can also be applied locally as creams to provide allergy relief from itchy and irritating skin eruptions.
Epinephrine – Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a vital drug in emergency allergy relief. It is used in severe situations like anaphylaxis, caused by allergens like foods (peanut, shellfish), insect stings, latex, and certain types of antibiotics such as penicillin. Epinephrine is administered by an injection in the muscles and is helpful in sustaining critical features like blood pressure and open airways. Some doctors recommend patients with allergies to carry a dose of inject able epinephrine to get prompt allergy relief in case of severe allergic reactions.
Nontraditional methods of allergy relief are also called as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments. These methods are based on holistic and spiritual fundamentals. Unlike allopathic medicines, nontraditional medicines or methods have fewer side effects and are useful for allergy relief in the long run. The most common holistic paths of allergy relief are:
Acupuncture – Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing various allergic reactions. Allergy relief during acupuncture therapy begins within minutes of starting the procedure. It involves stimulating the nervous system by piercing needles in specific points on the body. Each point corresponds to a particular organ and pricking the needle sends an impulse to that organ to release chemicals or hormones. These chemicals influence the body’s internal systems and strengthen its resistance by regulating the immune reactions. Acupuncture is a useful allergy relief method in conditions like nasal congestion, discharge, and itching. Prolonged and repeated therapy ensures permanent allergy relief.
Acupressure – Acupressure is also a Chinese technique for allergy relief. In this method, the energy flow in our body is stimulated by applying pressure with thumbs, palms and elbows on specific points. The pressure helps to remove any energy blocks that are major reasons for allergic reactions. This helps the body to function as one whole energy unit and provides immediate allergy relief. Acupressure is successfully used for allergy relief from conditions like skin allergies.
Aromatherapy – Aroma therapy helps a person to gain instant allergy relief by inhaling essential oils from an oil vial or by massaging these oils on the body. Inhaled oil vapors have a soothing effect on the brain and relax the body, thereby reducing stress – a major factor in allergic reactions. Also, oils like eucalyptus act locally in the nasal cavity and relieve a person of nasal congestion, enabling him to breathe freely.
Herbal allergy relief – Herbal means of allergy relief have been used for centuries in India and China. Herbs contain a lot of minerals and vitamins that make them the most naturally occurring allergy relief medications. Aloe vera is a very common herb used for healing allergic reactions and if applied locally in the form of cream or lotion, it relieves a person of allergic rash, chaffed skin and sores caused due to insect bites. Apart from this timely allergy relief, herbal medicines also help in building a strong immune system for avoiding further allergic reactions.
To understand methods of diagnosing your allergy, read our article - what is allergy testing? How and where can it be done?