5 Methods Your Doctor May Use to Treat Your Allergies

Nothing ruins the joy of warmer days like incessant sneezing, itching, and congestion. If you're familiar with the struggle of allergies, you know the feeling all too well. But don’t panic, relief is just around the corner.

At Internal Medicine Partners in Naples, Florida, Alejandro Blanco, MD, Ralph Rodriguez, MD, and our dedicated team specialize in allergy testing and personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs. Once we diagnose your allergies, we’ll work on your individualized care plan.

We’ll start by exploring five possible methods our providers may use to help you manage your allergies effectively. 

1. Antihistamines 

When it comes to tackling pesky allergies head-on, one of our go-to methods is the use of antihistamines. Here’s why they’re a top choice and how they can provide relief: 

What they do 

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, which is the chemical released by your immune system in response to allergens. This can help relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. 

How they’re used 

Available in various forms, antihistamines come in tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays, making them convenient to use based on your preferences and specific symptoms. 

2. Trigger avoidance 

One of the best ways to treat your allergies is to understand and avoid your triggers. Here’s how identifying and steering clear of allergens can make a significant difference in your allergy management plan: 

Identifying triggers  

Through our comprehensive allergy testing, Dr. Rodriguez can help you identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms, allowing you to take the proper steps to avoid them. 

Environmental controls 

Making simple changes at home, such as using allergen-proof bedding, installing air purifiers, and keeping windows closed during peak pollen seasons, can help reduce exposure to allergens. 

3. Nasal or oral corticosteroids 

In cases where allergies are causing inflammation in your nasal passages or throughout your body, corticosteroids may be prescribed to provide relief. Here’s how these medications work and how they can help: 

Anti-inflammatory action

By reducing inflammation, corticosteroids can provide relief from congestion, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. 

Forms available 

These medications come in nasal spray or oral form, allowing for targeted treatment of nasal symptoms or broader relief for systemic allergy symptoms. 

4. Decongestants  

If nasal congestion is your primary concern, decongestants can offer fast and effective relief, Here’s how these medications work: 

How they work 

Decongestants help shrink swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages, relieving congestion and improving breathing.

Forms available 

Depending on your symptoms and preferences, you have options — decongestants are available in oral tablets, nasal sprays, and liquid formulations. 

5. Mast cell stabilizers 

Last but not least, if you need long-term relief from allergy symptoms, mast cell stabilizers might just be the right solution. Here’s how these medications prevent allergic reactions and help manage your symptoms over time: 

Preventing allergic reactions 

Mast cell stabilizers work by preventing mast cells in your body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that trigger your allergic reactions.

Our team understands the impact allergies can have on your daily life. That’s why we offer comprehensive allergy testing and personalized care plans tailored specifically for you. 

If you’re ready to work with our team to explore different treatment options, take the first step by contacting us and using our online booking tool to schedule an appointment with our team today!