An allergic reaction is often a result of detection of a foreign substance that is harmful to the immune system. As a reaction to these allergens, the immune system reacts with symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and inflammation. If the allergy is mild then it can be treated with the help of over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, if the allergy is chronic, then it requires medical intervention. In case the allergy is severe then it might need emergency medical care. The following allergy treatment options can help in reducing allergies or managing them.

Nasal decongestants
Sinuses, sore throats or coughing can be treated with nasal decongestants. There are pills, sprays, and liquids that are used to help with swollen and stuffy sinuses. However, these nasal decongestants should not be taken for more than 72 hours continuously. They are one of the most popular allergy treatment options. Often times, due to allergy, you might not be able to breathe and these nasal decongestants will clear the nasal track and ensure normal breathing.

Saline sinus rinse
The sinuses can be rinsed with saline in order to clear the way and remove the allergens. Here is a method recommended by the AAAAI for preparing the saline rinse. Take 3 tablespoons of salt without iodine and mix well with 1 tablespoon of boiled water. Next, add one tablespoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of hot water. Then dissolve this mixture in water and use as a saline. The saline gets rid of all the allergens and reduces the symptoms of allergy. You can also buy sinus rinsing devices from a pharmacy or online. If the allergy does not recede, then you are advised to see a doctor for further treatment.

Immunotherapy
Some allergies are not completely relieved by treatments and so the doctors might suggest allergen immunotherapy. In this treatment, a series of injections of the purified allergen extracts are given to the patient over a period of a few years. One of the popular allergy treatment options is when a sublingual is placed under the tongue of the patient until it dissolves. This is usually used for the treatment of pollen allergies. It is a long-term treatment but is very effective.

Epinephrine
In case of a severe allergy, the patient has to carry an emergency epinephrine shot with them at all times. It is used for temporary relief and reduces the symptoms until emergency treatment is administered. Those who have a severe allergy should always have this with them as a precautionary measure to keep things under control. This is advised for people who have multiple incidences of severe allergy. You must keep the epinephrine shots with you while traveling and in general to curb the symptoms of allergy.

Corticosteroid creams and ointments
If the allergy has caused rashes, then you can use corticosteroid creams and ointments to stop them from spreading. It is one of the most effective allergy treatment options. It is recommended to use them as early as you can so that it does not get worse. However, if you do not feel any relief even after using the ointments then you should see a doctor.

Medications
Depending on the allergy, medication can help in reducing the symptoms and control the immune system from reacting. Your doctor will most likely give you medicines that are over the counter or in the form of prescription medication. The doctor will evaluate your condition and on the basis of your allergy history, will prescribe the medicines. It can be in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops or pills.

Oral corticosteroids
Your doctor might prescribe oral corticosteroids when you are having severe allergic reactions. They are used to reduce the swelling caused by the allergy. However, these are known to have some side effects and you should only take them if your doctor advises. You can ask your doctor to monitor you while you are using oral corticosteroids.

Mast cell stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers keep the body from releasing histamines. It is one of the best allergy treatment options that help with watery eyes or itchy and runny nose. They are readily available as eye drops and nose sprays.

Allergen avoidance
Once your doctor identifies the triggers that you are allergic to, they will advise you to avoid the allergen. For instance, if you are allergic to a particular allergen then you can take proactive measures to keep it at bay at all costs. This is a preventive measure that will help you in curbing the occurrence of the allergy.

Thus, you can use the above-mentioned allergy treatment options to get relief from allergies. However, you should always check with your doctor before taking any pills. With the right treatment, you can reduce the allergy symptoms effectively.