Allergies are frequent, especially among children. While some allergies may vanish with age, others persist throughout life. In India, allergies rank as the sixth most common cause of chronic illness, affecting over 50 million individuals annually. 

Allergy symptoms can disrupt daily activities and lower one’s quality of life. This article explores the possibility of outgrowing allergies, preventive measures, and methods for managing allergy symptoms.

 

Can you get rid of allergies forever?

At present, there’s no known cure for allergies, though ongoing research explores potential treatments. Individuals can manage their allergy symptoms through medications and by minimizing their exposure to the allergens triggering the reactions.

 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy isn’t a cure for allergies, but rather a treatment that can modify the disease. It aims to reduce a person’s sensitivity or allergic response to allergens. A doctor might suggest immunotherapy if medications aren’t effectively controlling allergy symptoms, if it’s challenging to avoid allergens if allergy medications interfere with other treatments, or if the patient prefers an alternative to medications. Over time, some individuals may experience reduced allergic reactions to allergens after undergoing immunotherapy, while others may need ongoing treatment to manage symptoms. Immunotherapy options include allergy shots (SCIT – subcutaneous immunotherapy), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and oral immunotherapy (OIT) for peanut allergies.

 

Allergy shots

Allergy shots involve having exposure to increasing doses of an allergen by injection over several years. Over this time a person becomes less sensitive to the allergen and reacts to it less severely.

Allergy shots help control symptoms of allergies to:

• pollen
• dust mites
• pet dander
• molds
• bees
• other stinging insects

SLIT

SLIT is a treatment method where small amounts of an allergen are taken as tablets or drops under the tongue. This helps the body build tolerance to the allergen and lessen symptoms. SLIT is commonly used for allergies to dust mites, grass pollen, and ragweed, and is available commercially.

OIT

Palforzia, a peanut allergen powder, is the only OIT approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It can help reduce severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, caused by accidental peanut exposure in children aged 4 to 17.

 

Do allergies go away?

Certain individuals might grow out of allergies, particularly those acquired during early childhood. Whether an allergy fades away with age varies based on the specific allergen and the seriousness of the allergy. Some research indicates that certain food allergies may diminish over time.

Around 85% of children outgrow allergies to:

• milk
• eggs
• wheat
• soy

However, only 15–20% of children may eventually tolerate allergies to:

• peanuts
• tree nuts
• shellfish
• fish

One study also indicates that most children with an allergy to insect stings may not have allergic reactions into adulthood.

Some people report that other allergies, such as pollen and pet dander allergies, become less severe as they age.

Experts suggest that, with exposure to small amounts of an allergen over time, a person may develop tolerance. This is similar to the way vaccines or allergy shots work.

Although most allergies begin in childhood, they can develop at any time of life. Adults may also develop an allergy to something that did not previously affect them.

 

Causes of allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen, for an invader.

The immune system overreacts to the substance, which is also known as an allergen, by producing antibodies. The antibodies then travel to cells that release the chemical histamine when triggered, which causes an allergic reaction.

The process in the body is complex, and it results in the allergy symptoms a person experiences as allergies.

 

How to reduce symptoms

People with allergies experience many nasal passage, lung, and skin symptoms. Treatments for allergy symptoms include:

 

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine in the body. Examples of oral antihistamines include:

• loratadine (Claritin)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Antihistamines can help alleviate allergy symptoms, such as:

• itchy, watery eyes
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• hives

Antihistamines may also prevent these symptoms from occurring if people take them before coming into contact with an allergen.

Most oral antihistamines are now available over the counter (OTC). Nasal antihistamine sprays are available by prescription.

Nasal corticosteroids

Steroid nasal sprays, also known as nasal corticosteroids, are nose sprays that reduce swelling in the nasal passages.

Examples of OTC nasal corticosteroids include:

• fluticasone nasal (Flonase)
• triamcinolone nasal (Nasacort Allergy 24HR)
• budesonide nasal (Rhinocort Allergy)

Nasal corticosteroids relieve symptoms such as:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• stuffy nose
• itchy, watery eyes

Doctors can also prescribe other corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as beclometasone (Beconase).

Decongestants

Decongestants are medications that provide short-term relief from a stuffy nose. They reduce inflammation in the nose’s blood vessels, which helps the airways open and relieve congestion.

Common OTC oral decongestants include oxymetazoline nasal (Vicks Sinex) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may be available behind the pharmacy counter or by prescription.

Mast cell stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom), prevent the release of chemicals that cause inflammation, including histamine and leukotrienes.

This prevents allergy symptoms from occurring, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Oral corticosteroids

A doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, for severe allergy symptoms. Oral corticosteroids reduce inflammation and prevent severe allergic reactions.

A doctor will monitor a person taking oral corticosteroids because the medication may cause severe side effects.

Topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, reduce skin inflammation and irritation. They are available OTC and with a prescription as creams, gels, and lotions.

Epinephrine

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. During anaphylaxis, a person may experience constriction of the airways and swelling of the throat. Blood vessels may also expand, which can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.

Doctors prescribe an injection-based medication called epinephrine to prevent anaphylaxis from becoming life-threatening in people with potentially severe allergies. Epinephrine is more commonly known as adrenaline.

Epinephrine improves breathing and contracts blood vessels to continue supplying the heart and brain with blood.

If a person thinks they are having an anaphylactic reaction, they should use their self-injectable epinephrine and call 911.

 

Prevention

The most important step a person can take to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen that triggers their allergy.

Avoiding allergens is not always practical or possible — for example if a person is allergic to their pet’s dander or is a gardener with a pollen allergy. In these cases, a doctor can help prepare an allergy management plan to reduce allergen contact and manage symptoms with medicines.

If someone is unclear on the cause of an allergy, they may find it helpful to keep a diary. Keeping track of their whereabouts, actions, and diet can help a person identify what triggers or worsens their symptoms.

 

When to contact a doctor

A person should consult their doctor or an allergist if they experience persistent allergy symptoms that do not ease with OTC treatments or that interfere with carrying out their daily tasks.

An allergist is a doctor who specializes in treating allergies.

If someone experiences symptoms of anaphylaxis, they should inject themselves with epinephrine and immediately call 112.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• difficulty breathing, such as fast or shallow breath
• wheezing
• rapid heartbeat
• anxiety or confusion
• low blood pressure
• feeling lightheaded or faint
• losing consciousness

If a person has previously had a severe allergic reaction, they should wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. These can let other people know how to help if they have a severe allergic reaction and cannot communicate.

There is currently no cure for allergies. However, there are OTC and prescription medications that may relieve symptoms.

Avoiding allergy triggers or reducing contact with them can help prevent allergic reactions. Over time, immunotherapy may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Some people may outgrow an allergy, or it may become less severe as a person ages.

If a person experiences a severe allergic reaction, they should get help from a healthcare professional immediately.

 

 

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