All About Allergy Medications
Allergies affect millions of people in the United States during all times of the year. For people who are unable to adequately avoid airborne allergens, the symptoms can often be controlled with medication. Effective medications that can be prescribed by a physician include topical nasal steroids and antihistamines. Topical nasal steroids and antihistamines can be used alone or in combination. There are also many effective antihistamines and decongestants that are available without a prescription. Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine, which is released by the mast cells in the body’s tissues and contributes to allergy symptoms. Antihistamines have been proven useful in relieving sneezing and itching in the nose, eyes, and throat. They are also shown to reduce nasal swelling and drainage.
Drawbacks of taking antihistamines include some distressing side effects, including drowsiness and loss of coordination and alertness. More non-sedating antihistamines are available by prescription and are as effective as other antihistamines in preventing histamine-induced symptoms, but without causing sleepiness. Taken with other drugs, these antihistamines can have serious side effects so the patient should always let the doctor know exactly what other medications they are taking. Topical nasal steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs which stop an allergic reaction. They also reduce the number of mast cells in the nose and reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling. The combination of antihistamines and nasal steroids is a very effective way to treat allergic rhinitis. While topical nasal steroids can have side effects, they are safe when used at recommended doses, but some of the newer agents are even safer than older ones.
Immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, is the only available treatment that has the best chance of reducing the allergy symptoms over a longer period of time. Patients receive injections under the skin of increasing concentrations of the allergens to which they are sensitive. Many patients with allergic rhinitis will have a significant reduction in their hay fever symptoms and in their need for medication within twelve months of starting immunotherapy. Patients who benefit from immunotherapy may continue it for three years and considering stopping. Many patients are able to stop the injections with positive long term results, but some do get worse after the immunotherapy is stopped. Better allergens for immunotherapy are produced daily and this technique will become an even more effective treatment.
Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, reduce inflammation associated with allergies. They prevent and treat nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and itchy runny nose due to seasonal or year round allergies. They can also decrease inflammation and swelling from other types of allergic reactions. Steroids are available as pills for serious allergies or asthma or inhalers and nasal sprays. Each doctor may prescribe a steroid in addition to other allergy medications. The drugs are highly effective, but they must be taken daily to be of benefit, even when there are no symptoms at that time they are taken. Steroids have many potential side effects, especially when given orally, and for a long period of time. Side effects with short term use include weight gain, fluid retention, and high blood pressure. Side effects with long term use include diabetes, cataracts, and muscle weakness.
