OPTIONS IN ALLERGY TREATMENT
Because the mechanism behind true or ‘classical’ allergies is well understood, the potential for treating them with drugs is very good. The preparations used include corticosteroids (sometimes referred to simply as steroids, although they are not the same as the steroid drugs used by athletes) which have a general suppressive effect on inflammation, antihistamines which counteract the effect of the mediator histamine, and bronchodilators for use in asthma.
Although at one time there were serious side-effects associated with many anti-allergy drugs, the modern formulations have overcome most of these problems. The drug treatments now available are both safe and effective.
Before embarking on any other form of treatment, such as an elimination diet, it is important to weigh up the costs and benefits of that treatment as compared with using drugs to combat the symptoms. In cases where the symptoms are relatively mild, it may be better to rely on drugs alone. The decision involves a great many personal considerations, including, for example, the relative importance of food to the person concerned, their perseverance and will-power, and the number of meals that have to be eaten away from home. Nutritional needs also have to be taken into account. It is a decision that can only be made by the individual patient (or by the parents in the case of a small child) in consultation with the doctor concerned.
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