Is there a Cure for Allergies?

Allergy victims would be forgiven for seeing the list of FAQ’s and immediately clicking on the question titled ‘Is there a cure for Allergies’.  The promise of a miracle cure is a seductive one and not completely without merit.  For instance children have been known to grow out of allergies; however most must feel they are doomed to suffer for the rest of their lives.

The true answer to this question is not a definitive ‘yes’, but that shouldn’t leave allergy sufferers too down hearted.  Medical science may not have yet found a cure for allergies but this does not mean they aren’t attempting to.  Until such a time arrives when a cure is found medical science continues to progress and the latest methods can still help to drastically reduce the symptoms.  Current forms of allergy management include:


  • Medication
  • Desensitisation
  • Avoidance awareness

Medication

Drugs such as loratadine or fexofenadine are two that are commonly prescribed to allergy patients.  There are also over the counter options that can be brought and these tend to come in either tablet, syrup or nasal spray form.  What these forms of medication do is block the histamine receptors whilst increasing blood flow to the irritated areas to help aid relief.  In conjunction with medication a healthy diet can bolster the immune system.  There are also immune system enhancers such as ginseng and gingko biloba available at your local chemist or health shop.

Desensitisation

Desensitisation works in a similar way to a vaccination.  This method introduces an altered form of the allergen to the body (usually in the form of a few drops under the tongue.)  This way the body’s natural immune system becomes more aware and less sensitive to the allergen, which leads to a reduction in the adverse effects experienced.

Avoidance Awareness

Ultimately the best form of prevention is awareness.  Skin prick tests are available, highly accurate and can inform you of the particular allergens you are susceptible to within fifteen minutes.  Once the sufferer is aware of the offending allergen avoidance is made easier and hopefully the allergy will stop dictating what a person can do and when.