If Your Allergy Symptoms Worsen See A Doctor
“A long-acting antihistamine, either alone or in combination with a nasal steroid spray, will relieve most people’s allergy symptoms,” says Dr. Hays.
If you’re taking over-the-counter allergy medicines and your symptoms continue or worsen, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as chronic sinus infections or sinus polyps. Follow up with your doctor if your symptoms are serious or frequent.
What Immunotherapy Treatments Are Available
Immunotherapy is a treatment option for some allergy patients. There are two common types of immunotherapy. They are allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy .
Allergy shots involve giving injections of allergens in an increasing dose over time. The person becomes progressively less sensitive to that allergen. Allergy shots can work well for some people with allergies to pollen, pets, dust, bees or other stinging insects, as well as asthma. Allergy shots do not usually work well for allergies to food, medicines, feathers, or for hives or eczema.
SLIT is another way to treat certain allergies without injections. Allergists give patients small doses of an allergen under the tongue. This exposure improves tolerance to the substance and reduces symptoms. SLIT is fairly safe and effective for the treatment of nasal allergies and asthma. SLIT tablets are currently available for dust mites, grass and ragweed. Talk to your allergist if you want to learn more about SLIT. While allergy shots are fairly safe, there is a chance for a severe, life threatening allergic reaction to the injections, so they must always be given in an allergists office under observation from a medical professional.
What Can You Do If Your Allergy Medication Is Not Working
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, may eliminate or lessen allergy symptoms if medications are ineffective or intolerable. Immunotherapy works by reducing sensitivity to allergens. Each shot contains a small, but increasing, amount of allergen. This challenges the body to build up tolerance over time. The drawbacks to immunotherapy include use of shots, cost and the fact it may take many months to complete.
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Zyrtec 24 Hr Childrens Allergy Syrup
This medicine is our #1 pick for your kids. If your child is dealing with allergies like sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, etc. you need something to act fast. Childrens Zyrtec is recommended for children 2 years old. According to parents, this medicine even has a kid-approved flavor.
Pros:
- Comes with a symptom-tracking app.
- Can be used for kids as young as 2 years old.
Cons:
- Might not work well for children with extreme allergies.
- Causes drowsiness in some children.
How To Choose An Allergy Medicine
When determining which type of OTC allergy medication is right for you, consider your worst allergy symptoms.
There is a lot of crossover among the different categories, but in the most simple terms, antihistamines are best for itchy, sneezy noses and help itchy eyes, says Dr. Passer. Nasal sprays are best for congestion and post nasal drainage, but help itch quite a bit, too, and decongestants help with congestion. OTC eye drops are best for eye symptoms.
I dont think there is any differentiation between the medication categories for pollen versus, say, indoor allergens like dust or dog dander, she adds. It really is all the same process in the bodyit just comes from different sources.
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Know Your Medications And Check With Your Provider
Some medications can interfere with the results of your skin testing and must be stopped days before your appointment testing can be effectively performed. Please read below the list of medications to stop before your appointment. Also, please check with your doctor, or with one of our clinic staff members, if you have concerns about stopping your medications for the desired period of time. If you find your symptoms make it very difficult to discontinue your antihistamine medications, please keep your appointment, but notify our staff that you are currently taking an antihistamine.
Explaining Allergies And Allergy Symptoms
Allergies refer to a chronic condition involving an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. If that sounds vague, its because it isallergens and reactions to those allergens are incredibly wide-ranging.
Allergens can include aeroallergens , food allergens , animal dander, latex, certain medications and insect stings. Allergy skin tests are an efficient and accurate way of determining allergic sensitivities.
If youre allergic to a particular allergen, your body mistakes that otherwise harmless substance as a harmful intruder, triggering the immune system to produce immunoglobulin E antibodies in an effort to protect your body from the intruder. Those antibodies cause your cells to release histamine and other chemicals, thus resulting in an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
- For food allergies: vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory symptoms or even anaphylaxis
For our ranking, we only included medications that treat symptoms of aeroallergens.
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Allergy Shots And Immunotherapies
Allergy shots are sometimes prescribed to allergy sufferers who have adverse reactions to medications that are ingested, as well as for people who want to be more aggressive with their treatment plans. With this option, doctors inject small amounts of actual extract from the allergen in the hopes of making the patient more tolerant to the allergen over time. The process may take years, but can be especially effective for those allergic to dust or cat dander, and for preventing the development of asthma in children.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Allergy Medication
As with most medications, there is a risk of side effects. Although not a complete list of every possible side effect, here are a few of the most common for different allergy drug types:
- Antihistamines: Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty urinating or inability to pee
- Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, headache, trouble sleeping
- Steroids: Insomnia, anxiety and restlessness, hypertension
For a full list of potential side effects, its best to speak with your healthcare provider. Your physician will also guide you through any possible drug interactions. Look for warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on prescription labels and medication guides before taking the drug.
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Treatment Options For Allergies
There are various ways to combat unpleasant allergy symptoms, including:
- Medications: An array of medicationsboth over-the-counter and prescriptioneffectively and safely treat allergy symptoms. Different types of medications treat allergy symptoms in different ways, ranging from reducing swelling to keeping your body from releasing histamines.
- Immunotherapy treatments: These treatments consist of giving a patient either an allergy shot or sublingual immunotherapy tablet with a dosage of the allergen to lower their sensitivity to it gradually. With allergy shots, you need three to six months of injections with increasingly higher doses of the allergen to build up immunity or tolerance. Once youve reached an effective dose, you can expect to receive an injection every two to four weeks. Allergen immunotherapy may reduce the need for medications to control symptoms.
Seasonal Allergies? We’ve Got You Covered
With PlushCare’s same day allergies treatment service, you can meet with a top online doctor, get diagnosed and receive the treatment you need. Our doctors can determine whether you have allergies or something else altogether and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.
Cost Of Prescription Drugs: Why It Pays To Stay Informed
There are many different factors that affect the cost of your prescription drugs for example, did you know that the price may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy for the exact same medication? In fact, just because a drug store chain is well-known doesnt guarantee they have the lowest prices. Pharmacies are actually allowed to set their own prices for medications they simply have to stay within a certain range based on the type of medicine it is, as well as any agreements they have with your medical insurance plan. Other issues that can affect medicine prices include manufacturing shortages, as well as supply issues. So whats a concerned consumer to do? If you find youre constantly overpaying for your prescriptions, its time to find new ways to save with a pharmacy discount.
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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.
Why Trust Verywell Family
As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.
Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey
Katrina Cossey has been a news and feature writer for more than six years with experience at KFOR-TV and BabyGaga.com. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content.
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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.
Which Type Is Best
There’s not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.
Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.
Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they’re less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.
Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.
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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.
Cost Of Otc Allergy Medicine
OTC allergy medications vary significantly in price, according to our analysis. Costs ranged from around 25 cents for an antihistamine tablet to nearly $20 for a months supply of nasal spray.
Our Best OTC Allergy Medications for Adults and Children ranking didnt include the vast number of generic versions with the same active ingredients as many brand name products. Generic products are held to the same FDA regulations as brand name products, making them just as effective as their brand name counterparts but at a lower price.
If you find that Claritin, for example, is an antihistamine that works for you, you may want to consider a generic version of loratadine as a more affordable alternative.
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When Should You See Adoctor For Your Allergies
Here are four signs you should make a virtual doctor appointment now for fast relief.
Over 50 million Americans struggle with allergy symptoms1, whether its a runny nose, itchy and red eyes, or a swelling throat. Over-the-counter allergy medicines are available at any corner pharmacy, but when can you treat your allergies yourself, and when do you need to see a doctor?
We spoke to MDLIVEs Dr. Alan Menkes to find out when allergies require professional help.
1. When youre not sure if you have a cold or allergiesColds and allergies specifically allergic rhinitis can be easily confused because both feature sneezing and runny noses, says Dr. Menkes. A doctor can help you determine if your symptoms are triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or smoke, or if you have a cold or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Colds and allergies are treated differently, and by knowing what you have, youll know which medicines to use. Taking cold medicine when youre suffering from allergies can not only be ineffective but is also a waste of money, says Dr. Menkes.
If youre experiencing itching in your eyes or nose, watery/red eyes, or swelling/puffiness in your throat, ears, or eyelids, youre probably experiencing allergies. If you have a nagging cough, a low-grade fever , or are generally feeling sick and rundown, its more likely a cold. Either way, checking in with a doctor can let you know for sure.
3. When youre not finding relief
The Best Of Both Antihistamines And Decongestants
Certain OTC allergy medications like Allegra Allergy contain both an antihistamine and decongestant to relieve multiple symptoms at once. These combination drugs can be an effective treatment for people who experience nasal congestion or trouble breathing in addition to other common allergies like hay fever, itchy skin, scratchy throat, hives, or itchy eyes.
Examples of Combination Over the Counter Allergy Medications
Side Effects of Combination Medications
Due to the fact that OTC allergy combination medications typically include both antihistamines and decongestants, patients can experience side effects associated with either treatment. While these combination medications are non-drowsy and drowsiness is unlikely, it can still occur, as can insomnia or irritability and an increase in blood pressure.
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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.
How Do Decongestants Work
During an allergic reaction, tissues in your nose may swell in response to contact with the allergen. That swelling makes fluid and mucus. Blood vessels in the eyes can also swell, causing redness. Decongestants work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and blood vessels, relieving the symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion, mucus secretion, and redness.
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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.
What Medications Are Available
If someone has allergic rhinitis, the following medications are typically considered:
Steroid sprays or newer generation antihistamines are usually the treatments of first choice. Many antihistamines and some steroid sprays are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Higher-dose steroid sprays have to be prescribed by a doctor, though.
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Taking Antihistamines With Other Medicines Food Or Alcohol
Speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you’re already taking other medicines.
There may be a risk the medicines do not mix, which could stop either from working properly or increase the risk of side effects.
Examples of medicines that could cause problems if taken with antihistamines include some types of:
- stomach ulcer or indigestion medicines
- cough and cold remedies that also contain an antihistamine
Try not to drink alcohol while taking an antihistamine, particularly if it’s a type that makes you drowsy, as it can increase the chances of it making you feel sleepy.
Food and other drinks do not affect most antihistamines, but check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure.
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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