The treatment of an allergy should correspond to the severity of the symptoms. On the one hand, it would be an exaggeration to treat occasional episodes of itchy eyes and a runny nose with a long-term therapy or even a vaccine therapy, on the other hand, one should also not make the mistake to not treat an allergy enough or to disregard treatment altogether. Unfortunately, this often happens – mostly because of an exaggerated aversion to taking medication. Inadequate treatment, however, can lead to a deterioration of the overall allergy situation. The goal of any therapy should be to prevent the spread of allergic inflammation. As already mentioned several times, an inadequately treated allergic rhinitis can spread into the lower respiratory tract and cause bronchitis and even bronchial asthma (progression). The simplest form of treatment is the avoidance of the allergy trigger. This is sometimes possible (diets for food allergies, avoidance of certain medications, etc.). In some cases, this is possible to a limited extent (e.g., implementing dust mite control). Mostly, however, a treatment with medication is recommended. There are many effective symptomatic therapy forms available today:

In the case of mild allergies, especially with mild forms of hay fever, it is sufficient to apply anti-allergy medications directly to the inflamed area. These drugs are often combined with tablets (antihistamines - see below). There are nasal sprays and eye drops of different strengths and compositions:

• Locally effective antihistamines: block the inflammatory effect of histamine, which is released in allergic reactions. These drugs work well for inflammation of the nose and eyes and can be used as needed. Antihistamine drops or sprays are the ideal treatment when only mild discomfort occurs predominantly at one site, e.g., if only conjunctivitis is present. The therapy is tolerated exceptionally well.
• Locally effective cortisone drugs: Cortisone drugs are the strongest anti-allergy medication. In the form of drops or sprays, they have an excellent effect on blocked noses and more severe allergic rhinitis. The therapy should be carried out regularly, as no immediate effect can be expected. The substances that are used on the mucous membranes are practically not absorbed into the organism, thus the problematic side effects of systemic cortisone therapy (tablets, injection) do not occur. An unpleasant dryness of the mucous membranes is sometimes reported as a side effect.
• Decongestant nose or eye drops: caution is advised. Although these drugs work fast and are highly effective, but one can easily form a dependency on the medication. In addition, the mucous membranes are damaged during prolonged use.

There are different variants of bronchial asthma and not every form of asthma is triggered by allergy. The goal of all asthma therapy is, on the one hand, to combat the inflammation of the bronchial mucosa and, on the other hand, to open up the cramped muscles that surround the bronchial tubes. Cortisone-containing dry powder or sprays are available as anti-inflammatory inhalants. The cortisone drugs, which are used today as a remedy for asthma, are characterized by the fact that they only have a local effect. They are not absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore do not trigger any of the dreaded side effects of a long-term cortisone therapy. To relax the bronchial muscles and dilate the bronchi drugs are used which reduce the muscle tension on the bronchi (by influencing the local nerves). According to the autonomic nervous supply of the bronchial musculature, sympathic nervous system stimulating substances or vagus nerve blocking agents are used here. Side effects of this treatment are an acceleration of the heartbeat, tremor of the hands, and possibly a feeling of inner restlessness. The new combination medications in which both treatment components are combined in an inhalation device are a considerable simplification of the inhalation therapy. In addition to inhaled treatments, the allergic component of asthma may be treated with anti-allergic agents. Special inflammatory mediators (leukotrienes) in asthma can also be blocked medically by way of leukotriene inhibitors. This therapy often helps to reduce the number of necessary inhalations. For the treatment of severe asthma there are also various medications available that cannot be listed in detail here. The treatment should be reviewed during regular check-ups by the specialist or pulmonologist.

Injections, Infusions

In allergic emergencies, it is necessary to quickly administer large amounts of anti-allergic drugs. This can only be done by injection or infusion into the bloodstream. The most effective remedy in an emergency is adrenaline. In addition, antihistamines, cortisone, and – if necessary – asthma medications are administered. Blood pressure is maintained by infusing a liquid solution.

Cortisone injections

It is possible to suppress allergy symptoms for several weeks with an injection of cortisone. It is a sustained-release drug, which means the solution is slowly absorbed after injection into the muscle and provides the patient with cortisone for a prolonged period of time. This treatment option should only be used as an emergency solution and not on a regular basis, as otherwise the dreaded side effects of prolonged cortisone therapy may occur.