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Allergies

Feature: Allergies

Sneezing, blocked nose, runny eyes - and that at just the time of year when people want to be outside more. It is no wonder that many people with hay fever want to find alternatives to allergy medication. In our fact sheets we report on an alternative that is becoming more popular in Europe: specific immunotherapy - and what parents can do to try to prevent their children getting allergies.

Research summaries

Allergies: Can specific immunotherapy injections reduce hay fever and other forms of allergic rhinitis?

Repeated injections of tiny amounts of the specific substance that cause a person's allergic reactions can reduce hay fever symptoms. This specific immunotherapy or "desensitisation" needs to be continued for several years. There is a small chance of a dangerous reaction to the injection that would need immediate medical treatment. more...

Allergies: What are the advantages and disadvantages of various antihistamines?

Of out of several antihistamines for allergy symptoms, loratadine might have some advantages for people with allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Cetirizine might cause more sleepiness than some of the other drugs, but this is not certain. more...

Allergy and food intolerance: Can soya baby formulas prevent them?

Soy formula has not been shown to protect high-risk babies from developing allergies or food intolerance. more...

Babies with high risk of allergy: Could prebiotics in infant formulas make a difference?

Infant formulas containing prebiotics might be able to prevent the development of eczema in babies who are at high risk of allergies, but they have not been tested enough to be sure. So far, none of the breast milk substitutes has been shown to provide better protection than breastfeeding. more...

Eczema: Does eliminating particular foods reduce the symptoms?

There is no strong proof that elimination diets in babies or children can reduce their eczema if they do not have established food allergies. There has been very little research on elimination diets for adults with eczema. more...