Is it possible to get rid of allergies?

Food allergies, along with seasonal allergies, are a common problem for many children and adults. In fact, about 50 million people in the US suffer from some type of allergy. However, not every allergy lasts a lifetime, Yahoo Life reported.

About 80% of children overcome allergies to eggs, milk and wheat by the age of 16. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood most often remain for life, but about 20-25% of children with peanut allergies outgrow it.

Food and seasonal allergies aren't the only allergies that don't stay forever. It may seem surprising, but most people who talk about being allergic to penicillin are either not allergic or outgrow it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies show that while about 10% of Americans report being allergic to penicillin, approximately 90% of them are not actually allergic to the drug. Of those with allergies, about 80% outgrow their allergy to penicillin after 10 years of avoiding it.

Seasonal allergies are best treated with immunotherapy. It also includes allergies to pet dander, dust mites and mold, and insect stings, including bees, wasps or hornets, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Immunotherapy for peanut allergy has also become possible. According to the Asthma and Allergy Network, slowly increasing the dose of peanuts under the supervision of a physician can lead to a patient being desensitized to high doses of peanut protein. While not a cure, this method can help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions to peanuts.

The surest way to know if you've outgrown your allergy, or if you have one at all, is to see an allergy specialist for a test.

For patients at risk of anaphylaxis, allergists may prescribe epinephrine autoinjectors to help reduce the body's allergic reaction. Experts recommend having this medicine with you at all times, especially in high-risk situations.

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