Are there allergy medications without side effects?
September 14, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear doctor,
My name is Marcus Hering and I have been suffering from various allergies for years, which heavily impact my daily life. I have tried numerous medications to alleviate my symptoms, however many of them have caused unwanted side effects that have added to my burden.
Currently, I am taking antihistamines to control my allergic reactions. Unfortunately, I have noticed that these medications often lead to fatigue, dizziness, and stomach problems. These side effects make it difficult for me to fulfill my professional and personal obligations.
I am concerned that the long-term use of medications with side effects could further compromise my health. Therefore, I am wondering if there are allergy medications that do not come with unwanted side effects. Are there alternatives that are effective but less burdensome on my body?
I would like to know what options are available to treat my allergy symptoms without suffering from the side effects of the medications. I hope you can help me and provide recommendations for medications that are better tolerated by me.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Marcus Hering
Dear Mr. Hering,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an allergist. I am sorry to hear that you have been suffering from various allergies for years and that the medications you have been taking have been causing unwanted side effects. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health and looking for alternatives that are effective but less burdensome on your body.
There are indeed various ways to treat allergy symptoms without experiencing the side effects of medications. One option that is often considered is called "allergen avoidance measures". This involves trying to avoid contact with the triggering allergens. This may mean avoiding certain foods, pets, or pollen. A precise diagnosis of your allergies is essential in order to take targeted measures.
Another option is immunotherapy, such as desensitization. This involves being regularly exposed to small amounts of the allergen over a longer period of time to gradually desensitize your immune system and weaken the allergic reaction. This form of therapy can lead to a reduction or even disappearance of your allergy symptoms in the long term.
There are also medications specifically designed to alleviate allergy symptoms without causing the strong side effects of conventional antihistamines. These include intranasal corticosteroids, which are used as nasal sprays or inhalers to reduce inflammation in the airways.
It is important that you work with an allergist to develop an individualized treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs. Together, we can find ways to effectively control your allergy symptoms without the side effects of medications burdening your daily life.
I hope this information helps you and that you will soon experience relief from your allergy symptoms. If you have any further questions or would like a personal consultation, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Petra Netz, Allergist
