What is the treatment for allergies?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Kenlaog for allergiew typically involves a combination of avoiding allergens and using medications to manage symptoms, with epinephrine auto-injectors and antihistamines being first-line treatments. The most effective approach to managing allergies is to avoid exposure to the allergen and use medications as needed to control symptoms. According to 1, first-line treatment for allergies includes epinephrine auto-injector prescription and instructions, education on avoidance of allergen, follow-up with primary care physician, and consideration of referral to an allergist.

Some key points to consider in the treatment of allergies include:

  • Avoiding allergens is the first line of treatment
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors are used for severe reactions
  • Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are used for mild symptoms
  • Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used for adjunctive treatment
  • Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be recommended for severe allergies

It's also important to note that the treatment of allergies should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and medical history. As stated in 1, food avoidance is the first line of treatment for children with food allergies, and primary care clinicians should prescribe both antihistamines and an epinephrine autoinjector for all children presenting with a likely food allergy.

In terms of specific medications, antihistamines like diphenhydramine, and corticosteroids like prednisone, may be used to manage symptoms. As mentioned in 1, H1 antihistamine: diphenhydramine every 6 hours for 2-3 days, and H2 antihistamine: ranitidine twice daily for 2-3 days, can be used as adjunctive treatment.

Overall, the goal of treatment for allergies is to manage symptoms, prevent severe reactions, and improve quality of life. By working with a healthcare provider and following a personalized treatment plan, individuals with allergies can effectively manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of severe reactions.

From the FDA Drug Label

1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Adrenalin® is available as a single-use 1 mL vial and a multiple-use 30 mL vial for intramuscular and subcutaneous use. Emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, which may result from allergic reactions to insect stings, biting insects, foods, drugs, sera, diagnostic testing substances and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

The treatment for allergies includes the use of epinephrine (IM), specifically for emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis 2.

  • Key uses include:
    • Emergency treatment of allergic reactions
    • Treatment of anaphylaxis
    • Relief of symptoms associated with anaphylaxis, such as flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, and hypotension.

From the Research

Behandeling van Allergieën

De behandeling van allergieën omvat verschillende opties, afhankelijk van de ernst en frequentie van de symptomen.

  • Allergenen vermijden is een belangrijke stap in de behandeling van allergieën 3.
  • Voor milde tot matige allergische rhinitis kunnen tweede-generatie H1-antihistaminica (bijv. cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine) of intranasale antihistaminica (bijv. azelastine, olopatadine) worden gebruikt als eerste lijn behandeling 3, 4.
  • Voor matige tot ernstige allergische rhinitis worden intranasale corticosteroiden (bijv. fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) aanbevolen als eerste lijn behandeling 3, 4, 5.
  • Allergenimmunotherapie (AIT) is een optie voor patiënten met ernstige allergische rhinitis die niet reageren op andere behandelingen 4.
  • Epinefrine is de eerste keus voor de behandeling van anafylaxie, een levensbedreigende allergische reactie 6.

Medicatie Opties

Verschillende medicatie opties zijn beschikbaar voor de behandeling van allergieën, waaronder:

  • Antihistaminica: tweede-generatie H1-antihistaminica (bijv. cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine) en intranasale antihistaminica (bijv. azelastine, olopatadine) 3, 4.
  • Intranasale corticosteroiden: (bijv. fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) 3, 4, 5.
  • Allergenimmunotherapie (AIT): subcutane immunotherapie (SCIT) of sublinguale immunotherapie (SLIT) 4.
  • Epinefrine: voor de behandeling van anafylaxie 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Towards definitive management of allergic rhinitis: best use of new and established therapies.

Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.