Allergies are a widespread condition that affects approximately one out of every five Americans. They occur throughout the year in all types of climates and can be triggered by pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, food, chemicals, medications and other environmental irritants.<\/p>\n
With so many possible causes, finding the source of your allergic response is crucial to treating the symptoms.<\/p>\n
There are three types of allergy treatment available.<\/p>\n
The least invasive treatment method for allergies is avoiding the triggers responsible for your symptoms. If you are suffering from hay fever (allergies to pollen, pet dander and mold), there are a few simple things you can do to reduce these allergens in your home.<\/p>\n
Allergy symptoms<\/a> can often be relieved through the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications and nasal sprays. Medical therapy provides short-term relief and may be enough of a solution for people with seasonal allergies or those whose symptoms are not severe.<\/p>\n If your symptoms do not improve with the use of medications, you should consult with an allergist over alternative treatments such as immunotherapy.<\/p>\n Antihistamines are often the go-to drug for treating allergy symptoms. They work by reducing or blocking histamines, chemicals produced by the immune system that are responsible for many common allergy symptoms including runny nose, stuffy nose<\/a> and itchy, watery eyes.<\/p>\n They are available in tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea<\/a>, though newer generation antihistamines have fewer side effects. Popular antihistamines include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Allegra. When your allergy symptoms include a stuffed-up nose, you\u2019re better off using a decongestant for relief. Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues that line the nose. They can be found in pills, liquids, nasal sprays and nose drops and are available over-the-counter or by prescription.<\/p>\n Decongestants may increase anxiety or cause sleeping difficulty. If you have a medical condition such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes or enlarged prostate, consult with a doctor before using. Common decongestants include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Afrin. In addition, many antihistamines also contain a decongestant, such as:<\/p>\n \u2022 Allegra-D. Nasal corticosteroids are nasal sprays that help to reduce inflammation of the nasal lining associated with allergies. They can be extremely effective at relieving symptoms, but may cause nosebleeds, nasal dryness and sore throat. Nasal corticosteroids are generally safe to use long-term. They are usually available by prescription only. Common brands include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Flonase. Decongestant nasal sprays are generally available over-the-counter. They provide short-term relief from nasal allergy symptoms but wear off quickly. Overuse can lead to a \u201crebound effect\u201d in which symptoms worsen. Patients are advised not to use decongestant nasal sprays for longer than three days. Popular brands include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Afrin. Allergy eye drops help relieve the symptoms of eye allergies. If you are experiencing itchy or watery eyes, a burning sensation in the eyes, redness and swelling, you can benefit from either over-the-counter or prescription eye drops.<\/p>\n They are available in several different types including antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, decongestants and mast cell stabilizers. Some of the more common brands include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Clear Eyes. Mast cell inhibitors are medications that prevent allergy symptoms such as runny nose or itchy, watery eyes from occurring. They work by inhibiting the release of histamines the immune system produces in response to allergens such as pollen.<\/p>\n They are available in the form of nasal sprays and eye drops, and must be taken a week or two before the start of allergy season, and continued on a daily basis for the duration of the season.<\/p>\n People who suffer from allergies that don\u2019t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it is known as sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops.<\/p>\n Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies.<\/p>\n They work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. The process takes place in two phases, the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.<\/p>\n The build-up phase involves a small amount of the allergen being injected into the upper arm once or twice a week for a few months. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit. The length of the build-up phase depends entirely on your body\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n Once you have reached the effective dose, typically the most you can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased at each visit and the number of shots is decreased. The maintenance phase involves an allergy shot once every month for three to five years.<\/p>\n Since allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Swelling and redness usually develop at the site of injection but are quick to clear up. Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives may develop as well as more severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightness. Anaphylaxis, the most serious reaction, rarely occurs.<\/p>\n Since these shots are administered in a clinical setting, any reaction that does occur can be easily treated.<\/p>\n Allergy symptoms will not improve overnight; symptoms will typically improve over the first year of treatment and continue to improve over the next few years. The shots may even decrease symptoms for other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing.<\/p>\nHow Do Antihistamines Help Allergies?<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Benadryl.
\n\u2022 Claritin.
\n\u2022 Chlor-Trimeton.
\n\u2022 Tavist.
\n\u2022 Zyrtec.
\n\u2022 Clarinex.
\n\u2022 Xyzal.<\/p>\nHow Do Decongestants Help Allergies?<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Dristan.
\n\u2022 Sudafed.
\n\u2022 Suphedrin.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Claritin-D.
\n\u2022 Tavist-D.<\/p>\nHow Do Nasal Corticosteroids Help Allergies?<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Nasonex.
\n\u2022 Nasacort.
\n\u2022 Rhinocort.<\/p>\nHow Do Decongestant Nasal Sprays Help Allergies?<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Dristan.
\n\u2022 Vicks Sinex.<\/p>\nHow Do Allergy Eye Drops Help Allergies?<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Visine.
\n\u2022 Refresh.
\n\u2022 Claritin Eye.
\n\u2022 Alamast.
\n\u2022 Opcon-A.<\/p>\nHow Do Mast Cell Inhibitors Help Allergies?<\/h3>\n
Immunotherapy<\/h2>\n
Allergy Shots<\/h3>\n
Are There Any Risks with Allergy Shots?<\/h3>\n
What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots?<\/h3>\n
Allergy Drops<\/h3>\n