Allergy Treatment

ASCIA Fast Facts Allergy Treatment 2019508.16 KB

1. 

   Adrenaline (epinephrine) injected into the outer mid-thigh muscle is the first line treatment for life threatening severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Adrenaline rapidly reverses the effects of anaphylaxis by reducing throat swelling, opening airways, maintaining heart function and blood pressure. Adrenaline autoinjectors have been designed for use in emergencies by non-medical people, including patients themselves (if they are well enough).

2. Allergen avoidance is essential in the management of severe allergies to foods, insects and drugs (medications). It is important to have strategies in place to minimise the risk of exposure to allergens that that can result in anaphylaxis.

3. Allergen minimisation can be useful in the management of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). If it is possible to identify the causative allergen/s, minimising exposure to the confirmed allergens may reduce symptoms.

4. Allergic rhinitis medications include non-sedating antihistamines (tablets, syrups, nasal sprays, eye drops), intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) sprays, sprays containing a combination of INCS and antihistamine, salt water nasal sprays and rinses.

5. Allergen immunotherapy (also known as desensitisation) reduces the severity of allergy symptoms and the need for medications. It involves regular administration of gradually increasing doses of allergen extracts, usually over a period of 3-5 years. It can be given as injections or as sublingual (under the tongue) tablets, sprays or drops. It is usually recommended for severe allergies to stinging insects and allergic rhinitis when symptoms are severe.

6. Oral immunotherapy for food allergy is currently the subject of research in Australia and New Zealand, and is yet to enter routine clinical practice. People who have a diagnosed food allergy must avoid the food trigger unless they are participating in a research study led by a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.

7. New immunotherapy methods for food allergies have been developed as a result of recent research. These are expected to be available for routine use in the near future.

8. New immunomodulation therapy for severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) has also been developed as a result of recent research. This is expected to be available for routine use in the near future.

For more information visit www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatment

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia www.allergyfacts.org.au and Allergy New Zealand www.allergy.org.nz are patient support organisations that provide updates and advice for people with allergies.

© ASCIA 2018

ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand

Website: www.allergy.org.au 
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Postal address: PO Box 450 Balgowlah NSW 2093 Australia

Disclaimer
This document has been developed and peer reviewed by ASCIA members and is based on expert opinion and the available published literature at the time of review. Information contained in this document is not intended to replace medical advice and any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner. Development of this document is not funded by any commercial sources and is not influenced by commercial organisations.

Content updated February 2019