Can Allergies Go Away, or Do They Last for Life?
Many people suffer from allergies, and this is especially true of children. While some allergies may diminish with age, many are permanent and can last a lifetime.
Allergies are a common problem, affecting approximately 50 million people yearly. This makes allergies the sixth most frequent cause of chronic illness.
Allergies can cause various symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and congestion, significantly impacting a person's daily activities and overall well-being.
This article explores the possibility of eliminating allergies and providing preventative approaches and ways to manage them.
Can You Get Rid Of Allergies Forever?
Although no cure for allergies exists, researchers are actively searching for potential therapies. In the meantime, individuals can manage their allergy symptoms with medication and reduce their contact with the allergenic substance that causes the reaction.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy does not provide a permanent solution to allergies but instead works to modify the body's response to allergens. It can help to reduce the severity of allergic reactions and lessen the symptoms experienced.
Immunotherapy may be recommended by a doctor if:
- Increased lines and wrinkles.
- Skin sagging and looseness result from a reduction in fat cells.
- An appearance characterised by hollowness.
Over time, some people may find that their allergies no longer cause severe reactions after undergoing immunotherapy. However, for others, immunotherapy may need to be an ongoing treatment to help manage their symptoms.
Subcutaneous immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy, treats allergies. Oral immunotherapy, also available, is specifically used for treating peanut allergies.
Allergy Shots
To desensitise a person to an allergen, allergy shots are administered. These shots involve gradually increasing doses of the allergen injected over several years. This process helps to reduce the severity of the person's reaction to the allergen.
Symptoms of allergy shots include:
- Other stinging insects
- Pollen
- Bees
- Moulds
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
SLIT
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is a treatment that uses small doses of an allergen administered via tablets or drops under the tongue to increase tolerance to the allergen and reduce allergy symptoms. This therapy treats allergies to dust mites, grass pollen, and ragweed.
OIT
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Peanut allergen powder (Palforzia) as the only oral immunotherapy (OIT). This treatment may help to reduce Source severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, when accidentally exposed to peanuts in children aged 4–17.
Do Allergies Go Away?
Whether or not an allergy will disappear over time depends on the type of allergen and the severity of the allergy. For some people, especially those who develop allergies during childhood, the allergy may go away as they get older.
Research indicates that certain food allergies may not be permanent and may go away over time.
Approximately 85% of children outgrow allergies to:
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Milk
- Soy
It is estimated that only 15-20% of children can eventually tolerate allergies to:
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
Research has shown that most children with an allergy to insect stings may not experience the same allergy in adulthood. Additionally, some individuals have reported that other allergies, such as allergies to pollen and pet dander, become less severe as they age.
It is believed that, by gradually introducing a person to a small amount of an allergen, they can develop a tolerance, similar to how vaccines or allergy shots work.
Allergies can appear at any age, and adults can develop an allergy to something that previously did not affect them. Although most people develop allergies during childhood, adults can also be affected.
Causes Of Allergies
The immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, such as pollen, as an invader, leading to an allergic reaction in the body.
When the immune system identifies a substance as a potential threat, it will produce antibodies that travel to cells that release histamine when triggered. In response to this histamine release, the body experiences an allergic reaction. This substance, commonly called an allergen, can cause the body to overreact.
The complex process occurring in the body causes the allergy symptoms that a person experiences when they have allergies.
How To Reduce Symptoms
As a result of allergies, people experience many nasal passage, lung, and skin symptoms. Symptoms of allergies can be treated with the following treatments.
Antihistamines
Histamine is blocked in the body by antihistamines. These are some examples of oral antihistamines:
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
A variety of allergy symptoms can be alleviated by antihistamines, including:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Hives
- Itchy, watery eyes
To prevent allergy symptoms from appearing, people can take antihistamines before coming into contact with an allergen. Most oral antihistamines are available without a prescription, while nasal antihistamine sprays can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids, more commonly known as steroid nasal sprays, are medications used to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
Nasal corticosteroids available over the counter include:
- Triamcinolone nasal (Nasacort Allergy 24HR)
- Budesonide nasal (Rhinocort Allergy)
- Fluticasone nasal (Flonase)
Symptoms relieved by nasal corticosteroids include:
- Budesonide nasal (Rhinocort Allergy)
- Fluticasone nasal (Flonase)
- Triamcinolone nasal (Nasacort Allergy 24HR)
Other corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as beclometasone (Beconase), may be prescribed by doctors.
Decongestants
Decongestants are medications used to relieve a stuffy nose temporarily. They work by reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels within the nose, allowing the airways to open and reduce congestion. Over-the-counter oral decongestants such as oxymetazoline nasal (Vicks Sinex) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) are common. Sometimes, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may be accessible behind the pharmacy counter.
Mast Cell Stabilisers
Cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom) is an example of a mast cell stabiliser that inhibits the release of histamine and leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. As a result, allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes are prevented.
Oral Corticosteroids
Prednisone is a type of oral corticosteroid commonly prescribed to treat severe allergic reactions. This medication works by reducing inflammation and preventing severe allergic reactions. However, it is essential to note that oral corticosteroids can have serious side effects and must be monitored carefully by a doctor.
Topical Corticosteroids
Hydrocortisone and other topical corticosteroids can reduce skin inflammation and irritation. These medications can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed as creams, gels, and lotions.
Epinephrine
In cases of anaphylaxis, the body experiences a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. This can result in the constriction of airways, swelling of the throat, and a drastic decrease in blood pressure due to the dilation of blood vessels.
An injection of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is prescribed by doctors to people with severe allergies to prevent anaphylaxis from becoming life-threatening.
Epinephrine helps to open airways, allowing for easier breathing and constricting blood vessels, ensuring that the heart and brain receive a steady supply of blood.
Prevention
To avoid an allergic reaction, avoiding any allergens that may cause it is essential.
Even if a person is allergic to something difficult to avoid, such as pet dander or pollen, a doctor can help create an allergy management plan. This plan can help minimise contact with the allergen and provide treatments to help manage the symptoms.
Those uncertain about the source of their allergies may benefit from recording their activities, diet, and environment in a journal. Doing so may assist them in detecting what causes or intensifies their allergic symptoms.
When To Contact A Doctor
People who suffer from prolonged allergy symptoms that do not improve with over-the-counter treatments or that hinder them from performing their daily activities should speak to their doctor or an allergist.
A doctor who specialises in treating allergies is known as an allergist.
The following are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:
- Experiencing challenges with respiration, including rapid or shallow breaths
- Experiencing wheezing or audible breathing difficulties
- Having an accelerated heart rate
- Feeling anxious or disoriented
- Experiencing a drop in blood pressure
- Feeling dizzy or on the verge of fainting
- Experiencing a loss of consciousness
A person with a history of severe allergic reactions should always wear a medical alert device, such as a bracelet or necklace. This way, if they ever have an extreme reaction and cannot communicate, they can alert others to their condition and how to help.
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