Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Support Groups
See:
Expectations (prognosis)
Most allergies can be easily treated with medication.
Some children may outgrow an allergy. This is particularly true of food allergies. However, as a general rule, once a substance has triggered an allergic reaction, it continues to affect the person.
Allergy shots are most effective when used to treat those with hay fever symptoms and severe insect sting allergies. They are not used to treat food allergies because of the danger of a severe reaction. Allergy shots may require years of treatment, but they work in most cases. However, they may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and dangerous outcomes (such as anaphylaxis).
Complications
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Breathing problems and discomfort during the allergic reaction
- Drowsiness and other side effects of medicines
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- Severe symptoms of allergy occur
- Treatment for allergies no longer works
Images
Previous Section
Review Date: 06/29/2010
Reviewed By: Paula J. Busse, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of
Clinical Immunology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY.
Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
