Nearly one-third of American adults have some kind of allergy. Every person is unique, and there are many types of allergies. Due to the variation in allergies and their symptoms, a wide range of allergy medications are available to choose from, each addressing different symptoms in different ways. You may be wondering: which allergy medication will address my symptoms?
Over-the-Counter Medications
For many, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are sufficient to relieve the worst of their allergy symptoms. These are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store, without the need for a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most commonly used OTC allergy medications. They work by blocking histamines, a chemical released by the immune system that causes inflammation, so when they’re at work, you get the itchy, scratchy, puffy symptoms. Therefore, antihistamines address those types of symptoms. These include:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Itching (nose, eyes, skin, etc.)
They are available in pill form (which targets itching and mucus production) and nasal spray form (which relieves congestion). Antihistamines in pill form can alleviate symptoms, but their main superpower is preempting allergy symptoms by stockpiling in the blood to block histamines.
Decongestants
Decongestants, as the name suggests, relieve swollen nasal passages and congestion. They do this by decreasing fluid production in the nose and shrinking swollen nasal tissue. If a stuffy nose is your worst allergy symptom, a decongestant is probably your best bet. They’re available in many forms: pills, liquid medicine, nasal sprays and eye drops.
They differ from antihistamines in that decongestants reduce the symptoms (fluid in the nose and inflammation), whereas antihistamines inhibit the chemical that causes these symptoms. A decongestant will bring quick, temporary relief if you’ve already started showing symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
You can use anti-inflammatory medications for allergy relief, but they’re more of a generalist, unlike the specialists: decongestants and antihistamines. They target prostaglandins, which, like histamines, cause inflammation. That said, anti-inflammatory medications can help a lot with symptoms like:
- Sinus pain or pressure
- Sinus headache
Prescription Medications
If OTC medications aren’t getting you the relief you need, talk to your healthcare provider. They may prescribe a new medication for you. The following are some common prescription allergy medications.
Corticosteroids
Steroids, medically known as corticosteroids, suppress inflammation, and they do so to a greater degree than the OTC medicines listed above, so they’re often prescribed for severe symptoms. They’re available in various forms, including pills, eye drops, nasal sprays, skin creams and inhalers.
Corticosteroids in nasal spray form are especially effective because they relieve inflammation fast, without being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, sometimes also called leukotriene inhibitors, block a different chemical than antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. They target leukotriene, which is a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction that is associated with many respiratory allergy symptoms, such as:
- Coughing
- Excess mucus and fluid in the chest or throat
- Swollen airways
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Asthma
Long-Term Treatment (Immunotherapy)
If medications, both OTC and prescription, still aren’t effective in treating your allergies, or if you don’t want to go the prescription route, long-term allergy treatment known as immunotherapy is a great option. This treatment is available as a pill or a shot, taken on a regular basis, and it builds the body’s tolerance to allergens so none of the chemicals are released at all.
Our allergy team at Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery is knowledgeable in immunotherapy and experts at building effective, personalized treatment plans for allergies. Call us today to find out more.
Learn More
“Had a great experience. Got in very quick and felt safe with covid protocol! Everyone was extremely nice.”