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Allergy Treatment Options
To know which allergens you (or your adolescent) are allergic to, your doctor will probably recommend that you undergo a simple skin test that involves exposure to various substances, such as plant pollens, dust mites, or mold.
The first line of treatment is to avoid these allergens whenever possible. Then you can discuss with your doctor the allergy treatment that may be right for you.
Read details on common allergy treatments below.
Prescription antihistamines
Relieve symptoms while helping to avoid side effects such as drowsiness
Be taken every day (for allergic rhinitis)
Be taken before exposure to an allergen
Be prescribed as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays
Decongestants
Clear stuffy noses
Be prescribed as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays
Cause nervousness, insomnia, and rebound congestion (in nasal spray form2)
Only be used with caution in infants, due to potential side effects
Corticosteroids
Help block substances that trigger nasal allergies and inflammation by acting on the immune system
Be very powerful, and so should only be used within proper guidelines
Immunotherapy
Be effective for long-term control of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis
Require injections of allergens over several months to build up the body's tolerance
Cause severe allergic reactions, and is not recommended for young children