Allergic reaction in the body occurs as a result of hypersensitivity of the system to specific agents known as allergens. The best allergy treatments depend upon the type of allergic disease and the allergens involved in triggering the reaction. Both medications and natural remedies are considered as the best allergy treatments.

Medications to treat allergies
Antihistamines: Antihistamines are widely used to relieve allergic symptoms. They are available in the form of liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays, etc. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine from binding to the receptors, thus preventing exaggerated immune response to allergens manifested in the form of redness, swelling, and itching.

Epinephrine: Epinephrine is one of the best allergy treatments for severe allergic reactions which are life threatening such as allergic reactions caused by food, drugs and insect bites. Epinephrine comes in self-injectable forms with pre-measured doses. The Epinephrine preparation must be injected as soon as the first symptom of the allergic reaction manifests itself in the patient. It is also suggested to victims of anaphylaxis that they should not take antihistamines instead of epinephrine.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation and swelling caused due to allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are also the best allergy treatments for many other symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, nasal stuffiness, itches and running nose. Corticosteroids are available in the form of pills or liquids known as oral corticosteroids, nasal sprays, ointments or creams for treating skin allergies such as rashes and eye drops for treating allergic conjunctivitis.

Decongestants: Decongestants are available in the form of eye and nasal drops, pills and liquid forms. Allergic reactions often cause the nasal tissues to swell resulting in the production of excess fluid and mucous. Similarly, the blood vessels of the eyes can also swell resulting in redness. The decongestants act by reducing the swelling of nasal tissues and the blood vessels of the eyes. However, prolonged use of nasal and eye drops decongestants can exacerbate the allergic symptoms instead of resolving them. Thus, they should be used only for a few days. Decongestants cannot be used by people suffering from blood pressure problems or glaucoma because they tend to raise the blood pressure.

Mast cell stabilizers: Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamines from mast cells. They are used to treat mild or moderate inflammatory reactions but score low regarding effectiveness when compared to corticosteroids. Mast cell stabilizers are the best allergy treatments for allergic conjunctivitis and nasal allergy in the form of eye drops and nasal sprays respectively.

Natural remedies to treat allergies
Butterbur: Butterbur is a herb which has been found to be effective in relieving allergic symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and red eyes. The herb is believed to block leukotrienes and histamine. Butterbur supplements are available in the market under different brand names.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is one of the best allergy treatments, owing to its ability to clean the lymphatic system and reduce mucus production. Apple cider vinegar also helps in losing weight and improving digestion.

Quercetin: Quercetin is an antioxidant that is found in apples, red onions, red grapes, capers, and berries. Quercetin is said to block the release of histamines from mast cells which prevent inflammatory reactions. It is available in the form of supplements in the market. Quercetin is contraindicated in case of pregnancy or nursing.

Fish oil supplements: Fish oil supplements have been found to be effective in people suffering from allergic asthma. The fish oil supplements act by lowering the levels of leukotrienes in the system. Leukotrienes are involved in allergic reactions. Thus, fish oil capsules can be used by people suffering from allergic asthmatic attacks.

Nettle leaf: Nettle leaf obstructs the production of histamine in the body. Thus, it is called a natural antihistamine. Nettle leaf capsules are available in the market for allergic treatment. Nettle leaf can also be used to make herbal tea during allergic reactions for relief. The herbal tea can be made using a combination of Nettle leaf with peppermint leaf or red raspberry leaf.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice which contains curcumin. Curcumin is a natural decongestant and helps in providing relief from various other allergic symptoms. Thus, turmeric can also be consumed during allergic reactions.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing method which can also be considered as one of the best allergy treatments. A study conducted in Germany on more than 5000 adults found that acupuncture caused a significant reduction in the allergic symptoms than the standard treatments.

Home measures to treat allergies
There are many home measures that can be taken to combat or prevent allergic symptoms. Nasal rinsing or nasal irrigation is one of the best allergy treatments that can be undertaken at home. It refers to the act of cleaning the nasal passages with salt water. The saline solution flushes out the allergens that cause inflammation from the nasal passage. Ready-made saline solutions are available in the market.

Using HEPA filter in a vacuum cleaner, using dehumidifiers to prevent allergens from growing, and taking a shower before going to sleep during the pollen season are other measures to prevent exposure to allergens.