In Western medicine, the treatment of allergies mainly focuses on the following aspects.
First, anti - histamines are commonly used. These drugs, such as loratadine and cetirizine, can block the effects of histamine released during an allergic reaction, thereby alleviating symptoms like itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.
For more severe allergic reactions, corticosteroids may be prescribed. They have strong anti - inflammatory effects and can quickly reduce symptoms such as severe skin rashes and swelling of the airways. These can be in the form of topical creams for skin allergies or oral medications for more widespread reactions.
In cases of anaphylactic shock, epinephrine is the first - aid drug of choice. It can quickly reverse life - threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing and low blood pressure. Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, can be used for long - term management to desensitize the body to specific allergens over time.
