The Pros And Cons Of Otc Medication
The advantage of OTC medication is accessibility and ease of use. Allergy sufferers can easily find one at a pharmacy or convenience store. These drugs can treat stuffy, runny noses, skin breakouts, and much more. OTC has also evolved and is much more effective. Despite the accessibility, these medicines do have side effects, like drowsiness, affecting daily function. Furthermore, if used excessively, the drug may become less potent.
Natural Alternatives To Treat Your Dogs Allergy Symptoms
Once you know that allergies are causing your pup to feel under the weather, youll want to help them feel better. There are many supplements designed to treat canine allergy symptoms. Here are a few of our favorite natural supplements that will give your dog some relief just remember that supplements treat, but dont cure, allergies.
Types Of Prescription And Otc Allergy Medications
Treating allergies can be difficult . From researching ingredients in scent-free lotion to keeping a journal of your symptoms it can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, you may need to try a different allergy medicine, or a combination of several, to find relief. Allergy medicine options include oral antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and other OTC allergy medications. While most OTC medicines can provide temporary relief, we also offer alternative options for long-term relief and allergy prevention with immunotherapy . Immunotherapy is a preventative approach to treating allergies by gradually increasing your tolerance to allergens through allergy shots or allergy drops.
Were here to make it easier for you to find the best allergy treatment that works for you. Here are the differences among several types of allergy treatments, including prescription and OTC allergy medicines, how they work, and what issues they alleviate.
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Treating Allergies With Medicine
More than 50 million Americans have at least one allergy. To deal with the allergen, the body releases receptors called histamines. These histamines cause mild symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and swollen eyes. Histamines cause low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and even death in severe cases. To treat the effects of these receptors, there is a range of antihistamines available. These drugs come in different strengths and forms. Some are prescription, while others are over-the-counter formulations.
Common Irritants Dogs Are Allergic To
- Pollen. The same pollen causing hay fever in people can cause seasonal allergic reactions in dogs. Dogs might inhale pollen floating through the air from trees or plants, or sniff growing grass and weeds. Tree and grass pollen seasons tend to last from spring to mid-fall.
- The environment. Dogs can react to environmental elements like pollen, dust, mold, and animal dander. Depending on whats bothering your canine companion, dogs might experience environmental allergies seasonally or constantly.
- Flea allergies. When adult fleas bite your precious pup, they inject a small amount of saliva into the dogs skin, causing an itchy response. According to VCA Hospitals, just one flea bite is enough to cause itching for several days, which means you might see your dog scratch and scratch. Your dog doesnt need to be infested with fleas to show a reaction, and all dog breeds can experience flea allergy dermatitis.
- Foods. Sometimes dogs can be allergic to something in their kibble or treats. They may be sensitive to proteins commonly found in dog kibble, like beef, chicken, or lamb.
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Side Effects Of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is well tolerated, and most people do well with it. The rare side effects of allergy shots include redness, inflammation or irritation at the site of injection, with occasional allergic reaction to the allergy shot. There are no reported side effects or issues from the use of allergy drops. If you are interested in taking the easiest route to a long-term solution with no side effects, schedule an appointment with us to begin the process of allergy drop treatment.
Side Effects Of Corticosteroids
Many potential side effects can occur if steroid treatments are used for an extended period of time. Side effects are typically mild, such as weight gain, fluid retention, and increased blood pressure, but certain patients may develop more serious complications, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness. Steroids that are ingested through nasal sprays or inhalers can cause side effects such as cough, hoarseness, and fungal infections of the mouth.
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Best For Pollen Allergies: Nasalcrom Nasal Spray
Depending where you live, pollen allergies can flare up at various points in the year, when different plants are pollinating. That means you might need to try a different medicine during a new pollen season to get the same relief from your symptoms, Dr. Kalra says.
If steroid nasal sprays and oral antihistamines aren’t working, you might want to try an intranasal mast cell stabilizer like NasalCrom, which has the active ingredient cromolyn sodium and works differently than many other types of allergy medicines. Instead of blocking histamine after it’s released, it works to stop histamine from being released in the first place.
The recommended dosing is one spray in each nostril three to four times per day. You’ll need to start using NasalCrom about one to two weeks before exposure to allergens for it to be most effective. It does not take effect immediately like other types of allergy medicine and will need around one to two days to kick in.
âBuy it:â Walgreens âPriceâ: $18.99 for 200 sprays
Why You Should Opt For A Prescription
Prescription allergy medication comes into play if over-the-counter medicine is ineffective. A doctors visit is required first so that the prescription may be better suited for the patient long-term. In some formulations, prescription drugs have fewer side effects than over-the-counter antihistamines. Over time, the cost of OTC medication may be more than the time and money for prescription treatment.
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How Dog Allergies Are Treated
Treatment for your doggies allergies depends on the severity of your pets symptoms and their overall health. Veterinarians will first work to determine if your dogs symptoms are allergy related or due to another underlying health condition. They may run an allergy test to determine what your dog is allergic to.
To treat severe dog allergies, vets may prescribe a combination of medication, supplements, and topical therapies like shampoos and conditioners. Sometimes, there is never a 100% fix for your dogs allergies, according to Dr. Erica Irish.
It can take a lot of testing and a lot of trial-and-error to figure out what your dog is allergic to and how you can help ease their symptoms.
Before Using Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray Tell Your Healthcare Provider If You Are:
- Allergic to any of the ingredients in azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray.
- Pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray will harm your unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray passes into your breast milk.
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What Can I Take For Allergies
Many people experience allergy symptoms when exposed to certain substances indoors or outdoorsoften seasonally. When your body recognizes a harmless allergen as a possible threat, symptoms including runny or stuffy nose, cough and congestion, headache, sneezing, itchy eyes, and fatigue may happen.
Allergy medicine can offer relief for bothersome symptoms, and its available in a variety of over-the-counter forms including oral tablets or gel caps, nasal sprays, eye drops. Many different allergy medicines are available for purchase in stores or online at Walgreens. Some allergy medicines may last for up to 24 hours while others may be short-acting. You should always check with your healthcare provider before starting an allergy medicine as some may not be appropriate if you have certain health conditions or take other types of medicine.
Best Treatment To Manage Allergies Long Term
Immunotherapy is a great allergy relief option for anyone who suffers from severe symptoms, especially for those with year-round allergies. It works by exposing you to gradually increasing levels of an allergen to help your immune system slowly build a tolerance to it. This helps relieve a wide range of allergy symptoms and even prevents new allergies from developing.
Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that require frequent office visits to be administered by a clinical immunologist. Daily allergy drops are a revolutionary form of immunotherapy that can be taken under the tongue from home to relieve your allergies long-term. They treat symptoms without the bitter taste of liquid allergy medication. Both forms of immunotherapy can be prescribed by a doctor after specific allergies like outdoor allergies are determined by an allergy test. This is a long-term approach to allergy relief and management, with most patients using these methods for a period of three to five years.
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Pick The Right Medicine For The Job
There are different types of OTC allergy medicines available, including eye drops, pills and nasal sprays, so choosing the right one for the job can help ease your symptoms more effectively.
Dr. Kalra says that the first go-to for the usual allergy offenders like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and post-nasal drip should be an intranasal corticosteroid, such as Flonase, Nasacort or Rhinocort. However, for persistent itchy/watery eyes, an OTC eye drop will probably be most helpful.
What Are The Different Types Of Allergy Treatments
There are many things you can try for your allergies. Well look at each of these in detail below, but your options fall into these eight general categories:
Before we examine each of these, itll be helpful to understand what causes allergies and what the symptoms include.
Prescription allergy relief, without the waiting room
Finding the right allergy treatment shouldnt be a guessing game. Talk with a healthcare provider.
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Best For Treating Itching And Nasal Allergies
Antihistamines are a type of allergy medicine that help treat allergies by targeting and blocking histamine, which is the chemical substance your body releases when exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Most people use an antihistamine for basic allergies and all-day relief. In fact, your childs pediatrician may even recommend an antihistamine for your childs rash. Allergy medicines like antihistamine treatments can take the form of pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Once antihistamine medications are in your bloodstream, they can quickly reduce other symptoms caused by allergens and prevent the release of histamines in the first place.Taking allergy medicines like antihistamines before or during exposure to an allergen can help limit and even prevent your allergy issues. Antihistamine pills can offer 24-hour allergy relief and are most effective against sneezing, and itchy and runny noses, while nasal sprays like Nasacort Allergy spray are primarily designed to relieve congestion and pressure. Getting all-day relief is a priority for most.Its important to note that certain antihistamines, especially older drugs, can make you feel drowsy and cause dizziness, so you should be careful to avoid certain activities like driving after taking some antihistamines.
How To Take Antihistamines
Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines:
- Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control
- Only when you have symptoms
- Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants
For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.
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How Do Antihistamines Work
When you are exposed to an allergen — for example, ragweed pollen — it triggers your immune system. People with allergies have an exaggerated immune response. Immune system cells known as “mast cells” release a substance called histamine, which attaches to receptors in blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine and keeping it from binding to receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms.
Common Otc Medicine For Canine Allergies
Below is a list of common allergy medicines and what they do for your pupper. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication that you can get over the counter.
Antihistamines perhaps the most common and well-known allergy medication is the antihistamine. Lets discuss what histamine is to fully understand what this medication does.
Histamines are chemicals that your immune system makes to tame allergens. Lets say a sneeze, runny nose, etc. those are both ways your body is trying to rid of the allergen that is invading it.
When allergens enter your body, your immune system responds to them as if they are foreign invaders that are harmful to you. Then the mast cells in your dogs body release histamines to boost blood to the areas of concern. This blood flow causes inflammation, which then causes your dogs body to repair the surrounding area. Because histamines are also in your gut, they also respond to food allergies. Some common antihistamines are:
All of these medications are deemed safe as long as there are no other additives, so make sure you read the label carefully and consult with your veterinarian before use. It is also good to note that some of these medications can make your pet drowsy or hyperactive.
Sprays, gels, ointments For many environmental allergies, the harm lies in how the dog licks, bites, and scratches at the area of concern. This can often result in a secondary infection or inflammation at the very least.
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Symptoms Treated By Antihistamines
Side Effects of Antihistamines
Older antihistamines may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Most newer OTC allergy medications are second or third-generation antihistamines, which often contain cetirizine hydrochloride. This medication is non-sedating and safe to take before most activities. Second generation antihistamines are a great option if youre looking for a non-drowsy allergy medication with all-day relief. Antihistamines can, however, cause dryness as a side effect, especially after prolonged use.
When Do You Need A Prescription
When your allergies could be life-threatening or get in the way of living your life, you should see a specialist, called an allergist.
You may need a prescription if your allergy symptoms are:
- Several months out of the year
- Causing a stuffy nose, trouble breathing, or sinus infections that won’t go away
- Affecting your day-to-day activities
- Not controlled by OTC medications, or those medicines cause unpleasant side effects
If you’re taking a prescription medicine for your allergies, ask your doctor before you also take an OTC medication, especially an antihistamine, for those same symptoms. Using some medicines together can cause more side effects or even set off a dangerous reaction.
Tell your doctor about everything you take: all the pain relievers, remedies, vitamins, and supplements, too.
Your doctor might also write a prescription for an OTC medicine so that it’s covered by your health insurance. You’ll need to check the rules for your plan — your copay and your flexible spending account or your health savings account — to figure out what’s going to cost less.
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What Is An Antihistamine
To understand antihistamines, its good to first know what histamine is. This important chemical plays a part in regulating many of your bodys physiologic functions. Its also involved in local immune responses.
Histamine is stored in immune cells called mast cells, Dr. Aronica explains. When your body encounters something youre allergic to , these mast cells are triggered to release their contents, which then cause allergy symptoms.
Histamine is the main chemical responsible for the itching associated with allergies. It can also cause your blood vessels to be more permeable , which causes stuffiness. Antihistamines, then, are medications that block some of the effects of histamine.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines ones that wont make you sleepy for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems:
Diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl®, is also an antihistamine, but it isnt recommended for everyday allergies. Its short-acting and very sedating, which can impact your day-to-day work and your ability to operate machinery .
Allergy Medication Side Effects
Older antihistamines are associated with drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, upset stomach, blurry vision, a dry mouth/nose and throat, and difficulty urinating. The newer antihistamines are usually well tolerated but can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and stomach problems.
Nasal corticosteroids can cause nasal dryness or irritation, nosebleed, throat irritation, headache, nausea, vomiting, cough, and fungal infections of the throat with long-term use.
Mast cell stabilizers can cause a short-lived stinging sensation inside the nose.
Leukotriene inhibitors are associated with unusual weakness, upset stomach, earache, dizziness, cough, headache, trouble sleeping. Serious but unlikely side effects include flu-like symptoms.
Nasal decongestants may cause a temporary burning, stinging, or dryness in the nose, a runny nose, and sneezing. Oral decongestants may cause dizziness, headache, nervousness, fast heartbeat, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, and sleep problems.
Nasal anticholinergics can cause a bloody or dry nose, nasal congestion, dry mouth and irritated throat, bad taste in the mouth, dizziness, and nausea.
Topical corticosteroids for skin allergies can cause burning, itching, redness, and changes to skin color and thinning of skin.
Topical immunomodulators for skin allergies may cause stinging, burning, irritation, and itching at the application site. They may also cause headache and flu symptoms.
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