1.      Emergency allergy treatment
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is used during a case of anaphylaxis to lower the risk of anaphylactic shock.  After coming into contact with the allergen, doctors typically use a needle to deliver the epinephrine.  Immediate and additional emergency attention is required in cases of extreme allergic reaction, since the epinephrine may be just enough to slow anaphylactic shock.

2.      Non critical allergy treatments
Successful treatment of allergies aims to help you better manage symptoms and includes a variety of options. Because each person is different, you and your doctor can work together to explore the best options for you, which may include:

Allergen removal
Removing known allergies from your house, car, and other areas may allow you to better manage your allergies by decreasing contact with them.  Dust, chemicals, pet hair, etc. may need to be removed, replaced with other items, or reduced.  Bathing pets may also be helpful in reducing allergies.  In general, additional cleaning may be helpful in removing allergens, as mold and dust love less-than-perfectly clean environments.  Depending on your own particular set of allergies, cleaning may be expensive, or may simply involve an extra cleaning every week. 

Alternative Therapies
Some allergy sufferers feel that alternative treatments work to help manage or treat allergies.  Acupuncture, relaxation therapy (breathing techniques, yoga, massage, biofeedback, etc.), etc. may relieve stress caused by allergies.  Or, lasers are sometimes used to treat swollen sinuses by shrinking or unblocking sinuses, thereby providing some relief.  However, because alternative treatments are not proven scientifically, you should always consult your doctor when considering these options. 

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is mostly recommended for allergens that are usually present throughout the year (e.g. dust mites), but is not used for food allergens, as severe allergic reactions may occur.  Immunotherapy works over a period of 3 to 5 years, during which a person is desensitized to one or more allergens by injecting small amounts of the allergens into the body.  This may be an appropriate method for people who experience allergies for a majority of the year, and do not have good results with medication. 

Medication
A variety of medications are available to treat allergies, and can be in the form of nasal sprays, pills, liquid forms, skin creams, and eye drops.  Antihistamines reduce the effects of histamine, which is one of the main chemicals that your body uses in overreacting to allergens.  Corticosteroids prevent and treat inflammation. Cromolyn sodium, focuses on the chemical histamine, but prevents the actual release of histamines. Decongestants allow people to breathe easier due to nasal and sinus congestion.  Leukotriene modifiers reduce the effects of leukotrienes, another chemical released by your body that leads to inflammation during exposure to an allergen.    

Nasal wash treatment 
Nasal wash treatment may be helpful for those diagnosed with rhinitis allergies.  This technique consists of irrigating the nose with a saline solution.  When the saline solution leaves the nose, allergens and mucus go along with it, thereby relieving symptoms and cleaning the nose.  There are several over-the-counter nasal wash treatments available. 

Allergies can certainly be discomforting for many, and potentially life-threatening for some. However, there is no need to suffer from allergies.  Treating allergies with the help of your doctor can result in increased energy, a better day at work or even a better quality of life.  In any case, working with your doctor is a good way to begin to diagnose and treat any suspected allergy.