Allergies are exaggerated reactions of the immune system to certain foreign substances that it mistakes as a threat to the body. Avoidance is the first choice of treatment a physician recommends to patients diagnosed with allergies. It is a strategy in which the patient tries to limit exposure to allergens (any substance that the body mistakenly perceives as a threat, triggering an allergic reaction) that cause symptoms. Avoidance is frequently the only treatment necessary to treat allergies related to foods, medications, animals and other allergens. It is also effective at preventing asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma (an allergic reaction to a particular substance, resulting in asthma symptoms).

In some cases, avoidance is a one-time decision that requires little ongoing maintenance. For example, people allergic to penicillin simply avoid using that drug. In other cases, avoidance requires much more effort. People allergic to dust mites, for example, must stay on their guard to keep dust levels in the home as low as possible.

Avoidance may not be possible or practical. Sometimes, medications or allergy shots (a form of allergy and asthma treatment in which increasing, controlled doses of an allergen are injected into a patient over a period of time to increase the patient’s tolerance to the allergen) are necessary to keep symptoms at bay. People with allergy symptoms should always consult a physician who can help them formulate the best treatment plan.

Before implementing allergy avoidance, be certain that the diagnosis of an allergy is founded and true. If a misdiagnosis is made, no benefit will be seen.