Asthma and allergy medication options
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Standard Asthma and Allergy Medication Options
The most common medications for asthma and allergies include antihistamines and corticosteroids. Antihistamines are widely used to control allergy symptoms, while inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay for managing asthma. However, these medications can have unwanted long-term side effects and may not work well for all patients, especially those with treatment-resistant forms of the diseases 12. Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are also used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for better asthma control, and recent studies show that this combination does not increase the risk of severe asthma events in children compared to corticosteroids alone .
Biologic Therapies for Severe or Resistant Asthma and Allergies
For patients whose asthma or allergies are not controlled with standard medications, biologic therapies have become important options. Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is approved for moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma that remains uncontrolled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and other controller medications. Clinical trials and real-world studies have shown that omalizumab is effective and safe for children and adults, leading to reduced exacerbations, lower medication use, and improved quality of life 27. Other biologics, such as dupilumab and mepolizumab, are also being used for severe allergic diseases, targeting specific immune pathways involved in allergic inflammation .
Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for Asthma and Allergies
Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a unique treatment that can modify the course of allergic diseases. It involves exposing patients to gradually increasing amounts of allergens to build tolerance. There are two main forms: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SCIT has moderate evidence for reducing long-term asthma medication use in children, while SLIT shows some benefit in improving medication use and lung function 3910. AIT is especially recommended as an add-on therapy for house dust mite-driven allergic asthma in both adults and children, provided the asthma is controlled or partially controlled . However, AIT is not suitable for patients with uncontrolled asthma due to safety concerns 510.
Drug Repurposing and New Treatment Approaches
There is ongoing research into repurposing existing drugs from other medical fields to treat asthma and allergies. This approach aims to find new, affordable, and convenient treatment options, especially for patients who do not respond to current therapies or cannot access expensive biologics . Combining biologics with allergen immunotherapy is also being explored as a promising strategy for patients with severe allergic asthma, potentially offering better control and long-term benefits 568.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Many patients seek alternative treatments for asthma and allergies, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and homeopathy. While these are popular, there is little scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, and they are not generally recommended as primary treatments .
Conclusion
Asthma and allergy management includes a range of medication options, from standard antihistamines and corticosteroids to advanced biologic therapies and allergen immunotherapy. For patients with severe or treatment-resistant disease, biologics and AIT offer additional options, though access and suitability may vary. Drug repurposing and combination therapies represent future directions for expanding treatment choices. While alternative medicine is commonly used, it lacks strong evidence and should be approached with caution. Overall, individualized treatment plans based on disease severity, patient characteristics, and response to therapy are essential for optimal asthma and allergy care 12356789+1 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic