Drug Therapies

The primary form of drug therapy is the use of antihistamines as tablets or drops. These block the release of substances which trigger an allergic reaction. The most common side effect, especially with older antihistamines, is sedation. If this occurs, an alternative drug without individual side effects can usually be found.

Asthma is usually treated with inhalers, drugs that are directly inhaled into the lungs. Asthma treatment is twofold: medications against the inflammation of the bronchial walls – usually corticosteroids – and medications which dilate the bronchial airways to bring quick relief of the wheezing and coughing. Proper use and application of the various asthma drugs is essential for an effective therapy with as little side effects as possible. For this reason I practice the use and application with every patient individually.

For hay fever nasal corticosteroid sprays and eye drops with various active ingredients are used in addition to antihistamines.

For atopic dermatitis several possible drug therapies are available. Antihistamines to relief itching, short term use of corticosteroids in the form of ointments and creams with various strengths, as well as treatments without corticosteroids with so-called immunomodulators.