Your allergy symptoms turn a lovely spring afternoon into a pollen-fueled nightmare. Symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and red, itchy skin are incredibly uncomfortable and make it difficult to enjoy the great outdoors. Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications are your first line of defense against these symptoms, so let’s discuss what will work for you.
Allergy Medications and When to Use Them
Many people who suffer from allergies find some relief from OTC medications. These are widely available and can be found at most local pharmacies or grocery stores. Remember that everyone is different; even though over one-fourth of all American adults suffer from seasonal allergies, there is no one-size-fits-all allergy solution. These are some of the common options available.
Antihistamines
Histamines are chemicals released by your body that cause inflammation and control mucus production; they’re behind common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchiness and a runny nose. Antihistamines are medications that block histamines from working. These are effective for an OTC option, and they work best when taken daily.
They’re available as a pill taken orally and as a nasal spray. Common brand names of antihistamines include Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra.
Decongestants
Decongestants, as the name suggests, are effective at relieving congestion. Decongestants reduce inflammation in the sinuses, which can alleviate the stuffiness and unblock mucus buildups. Because they target symptoms, rather than inhibiting the allergic reaction like antihistamines, these are effective for quick, temporary relief.
Decongestants are available as pills, liquid medicine, nasal sprays and eye drops. Common brand names include Claritin-D and Sudafed.
If Allergy Medications Aren’t Cutting It
Perhaps you’ve tried OTC medications and not felt any reduction in your allergy symptoms. Perhaps you’ve found relief with medication for several years, but it’s not working as well as it used to anymore. Or perhaps your allergy symptoms are extremely dangerous (such as anaphylaxis or asthma). If any of these are the case, you should seek professional help from an allergist. Your allergies may be too severe for OTC medications to be effective.
Working with an allergist can open you up to new treatment plans for long-lasting relief, such as prescription steroids, mast cell inhibitors or immunotherapy. These treatments are ideal for people who aren’t getting reliable aid from OTC medications or cannot take OTC medications for any reason. These treatments are also valuable for those who want long-lasting, low-maintenance allergy relief, without needing to take a pill every day.
Professional Allergy Treatment Starts with an Allergy Test
To get your allergy treatment plan underway, start with an appointment for an allergy test. Once you and your allergist have confirmed exactly what is behind your allergy symptoms, they can begin making recommendations and crafting your treatment plan. Call Lakelands ENT today to make an appointment.
