Allergy Treatment & Allergists in Georgia

The right treatment will depend on your needs and the severity of the allergy. Treatments include reducing allergen exposure, over-the-counter and prescription medications and/or immunotherapy.

Whether you're dealing with seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, or other allergens, the team at Northwest ENT and Allergy Centers can help you find the treatment you need and change your life for the better.

When To See An Allergist

Some people with minor allergies get by with over the counter medications and some lifestyle changes. They may be able to effectively manage their symptoms with minimal discomfort. However, this does not work for everyone.

Consider seeing an allergist if:

• Your allergy symptoms are severe or persistent despite trying over-the-counter treatments
• You experience frequent sinus infections, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing
• Your allergies interfere with your daily activities or quality of life
• You have a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions
• You suspect you might have food allergies or intolerances
• You're interested in long-term solutions like immunotherapy

In the following video, Dr. Avani P. Ingley explains allergies and treatment options based on patient needs.

How To Treat Allergies

The first step to get treatment is to identify your specific allergens through proper testing. Once you know what triggers your allergic reactions, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored treatment plan.

Allergy Treatment Options

Treatment usually involves a combination of strategies:

1. Reduced Allergen Exposure
2. Lifestyle Changes
3. Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications
4. Immunotherapy

The effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on the individual and the type of allergy. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the most suitable combination of treatments for you.

Reduce Allergen Exposure

An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. One of the easiest ways to manage allergic reactions is to identify and avoid the specific allergen(s) causing a flare-up. However, some allergens are virtually impossible to avoid, like dust mites or springtime pollens. In these cases, patients might benefit from immunotherapy or prescription medications to manage symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

There are many ways to be proactive about allergies. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters at home, regular vacuum cleaning, washing bedding in hot water and wearing a mask to reduce allergen exposure can help. Your doctor might recommend other lifestyle changes and practical solutions depending on your allergies and needs.

Medication

Minor allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and sprays or rinses. However, these tend to lose their effect over time. If your allergy symptoms persist and OTC options no longer help, the next step is scheduling a consultation with an allergist. Prescription medications and nasal sprays tend to provide better, longer-lasting relief.

Some of the most common medications include:

Antihistamines

These medications treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine, antihistamines can alleviate common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion, hives, and skin rashes. They are available in many forms, including pills, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Corticosteroids

Nasal corticosteroids are nose sprays that reduce swelling, which is the primary cause of a stuffy, runny, and itchy nose. Corticosteroids work by targeting inflammation in different ways. While very effective, they are not usually prescribed long-term because they can cause irritation or dryness. Used correctly and at the prescribed dosage, they tend to cause no side effects and provide very positive results.

Nasal saline rinses

Nasal saline rinses involve flushing the nasal passages with a saline solution to clear out mucus, debris, and allergens. This practice, also known as nasal irrigation or sinus rinsing, can relieve symptoms of allergies, as well as symptoms of sinus infections, colds, and the flu.

Using nasal rinses can feel daunting if you’ve never done it before. In the following video, Dr. Ryan Kauffman shows the proper way to use a nasal rinse.