See: Asthma and allergy support group

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).

• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
• Breathing problems and discomfort during the allergic reaction
• Drowsiness and other side effects of medicines

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Severe symptoms of allergy occur
• Treatment for allergies no longer works

Images

Antibodies

Allergies

Introduction to allergy treatment

Hives (urticaria) on the chest

Hives (urticaria) - close-up

Histamine is released

Allergy symptoms

Allergies

Allergic reactions

Hives (urticaria) on the arm

Hives (urticaria) on the trunk

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Allergies Prevention

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)