Allergy medicine and treatments

Anyone who suffers from allergies knows that it can be a very challenging struggle. The biggest problem for allergy sufferers is that there is no cure for allergies. There is however medication and treatments for the symptoms of allergies such as the itchy eyes, stuffy nose, etc. However, this in and of itself creates a world of problems because there are several types of medicines available -- both over-the-counter and prescription - and on top of that there are natural, drug free methods for treating allergies. So, what is the difference? Which should you choose? What are your options?

Let's start by looking at the medicine designed to help ease annoying symptoms like congestion and runny nose. These include antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines, corticosteroids and others.

Antihistamines

When your body is allergic to something, your immune system creates a chemical reaction to fight against that, this causes the membranes of certain cells to protect against foreign invasion, leading to the symptoms of allergies. 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 (the classic symptoms of allergies). Antihistamines stop that process by blocking the histamine receptors, and help your body function like normal. Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms.

One of the best things about antihistamines is that they can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray or eye drops. If you child has allergies, and do not want to swallow a pill, or can't, they can take this particular type of allergy medication in a liquid form. The other good thing is that there are plenty of over-the-counter antihistamine options so that you do not have to have prescription, which comes in really handy if you have an allergic reaction while on a vacation or something.

Examples of antihistamines most people are fairly familiar with include:

Over-the-counter:

• Benadryl
• Claritin
• Chlor-Trimeton
• Dimetane
• Tavist
• Ocu-Hist (OTC eye drop)

Prescription:

• Clarinex
• Allegra
• Zyrtec
• Astelin (a prescription nasal spray)
• Emadine (prescription eye drops)
• Livostin (prescription eye drops)

What are the side effects of taking an antihistamine medication? Well, that really depends on the particular medication you choose, each have their own set of problems, but generally, if you take an over-the-counter antihistamine you may find that it does cause drowsiness. Non-sedating antihistamines are available by prescription. Ask your pharmacist or medical professional if you are worried about the side effects of antihistamine allergy medication.

Decongestants

During an allergic reaction, the mast cells in the tissues in your nose swell in response to contact with the allergen. They may also produce fluid and mucous, causing you to feel congested and uncomfortable. Another side effect is that the blood vessels in the eyes also swell, causing redness. The role of the decongestants is to fight against these symptoms, so they act as a catalyst to shrink swollen nasal tissues and blood vessels to relieve the symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion, mucous secretion and redness. They are often prescribed with antihistamines for the best results. They, like antihistamine medication come in many forms, including nasal spray, eye drops, pill, or liquid.

One thing that is important to note about this particular allergy medication is that if you take nasal spray and eye drop decongestants, you will wan to limit the use to only a few days, since long-term use can actually make symptoms worse. Pills and liquid decongestants may be taken longer safely. However, when in doubt it is always best to contact a medical professional.

Some examples of decongestants include:

Over-the-counter:

• Sudafed tablets or liquid
• Neo-Synephrine (nasal spray)
• Afrin (nasal sprays)
• Visine (eye drops)

Prescription:

• Claritin-D
• Allegra-D
• Zytec-D

What are the side effects of decongestant allergy medications? One of the biggest side effects of decongestants in general is that they may cause your blood pressure to rise. Thus, if you have blood pressure problems or glaucoma, you should avoid them. Another problem that is common to these particular allergy medications is that they could cause insomnia or irritability and restrict urinary flow. Of course, once again you want to look at the specific medication for a list of symptoms, and speak with a medical professional if you are concerned.

Combination Medicines

The symptoms of your allergies will probably take a prominent role in determining what medication you take, and in many cases a combination of antihistamine and decongestant is needed to relieve your symptoms. There are other types of combo medicines as well, but the basic idea is that they combine medicine types to help with multiple allergy symptoms. The forms these are available in vary, but are usually by pill.

Some examples of combination medicines include:

Over-the-counter:

• Benadryl Allergy and Sinus
• Tylenol Allergy and Sinus.

Prescription:

• Allegra-D
• Claritin-D
• Semprex-D
• Zyrtec-D
• Naphcon
• Vasocon
• Zaditor
• Patanol
• Optivar

What are the side effects of combined medications? Well, it varies greatly, so look at the label or consult a medical professional.

Steroids

Steroids are known as corticosteroids and are used to treat the symptoms of allergies much like the above mentioned options. They reduce inflammation associated with allergies; prevent and treat nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose due to seasonal or year-round allergies. This medication is available as pills, for serious allergies or asthma, inhalers, for asthma, nasal sprays, for seasonal or year-round allergies, creams, for skin allergies or as an eye drop, for allergic conjunctivitis.

Some steroids include:

Nasal steroids:

• Beconase
• Flonase
• Nasocort
• Nasonex
• Rhinocort
• Veramyst

Inhaled steroids:

For asthma:

• Azmacort
• Beclovent
• Flovent
• Pulmicort

Eye drops:

• Alrex
• Dexamethasone

Oral steroids:

• Deltasone, also called prednisone.

So, what are the side effects of steroids? Well the downside is that you have to take them daily, and it can take up to two weeks to see any improvements. However, in addition to this they have many potential side effects.

If you only take steroid for a short time, your potential side effects are usually limited to weight gain, retaining fluids, and increase blood pressure. However, if you take them long term the list of potential side effects includes growth suppression , diabetes , cataracts in your eyes, osteoporosis, weakening of muscles, coughs, yeast infections, and more. It is always best to talk to a medical professional about other options before considering steroids.

Bronchodilators

One common allergy related problem is asthma, and to treat it many people choose bronchodilators. Bronchodilators relax the muscle bands that tighten around the airways, opening them and allowing more air in and out of lungs for easier breathing. They also make it easier to cough mucus out of the lungs because the airways are open. Bronchodilators are inhaled medicines used to control asthma symptoms. This particular medication is only available with a prescription.

Some types of bronchodilators include:

• Ventolin
• Proventil
• Brethaire
• Tornalate
• Xopenex
• Alupent
• Metaprel
• Maxair

So, what are the potential risks or side effects? Well, for one, bronchodilators are potent drugs, so if you do not use them the way they are supposed to be used you can cause great harm to your body, including high blood pressure problems, and a rapid heartbeat.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

When your mast cells release histamines, your body feels the symptoms of allergies, instead of blocking receptors however, mast cell stabilizers work by stopping the release of histamine from mast cells. This form of medication is usually used to treat mild to moderate inflammation in the bronchial tubes and other symptoms of allergic reactions. Mast cell stabilizers are available as inhalers for asthma, eyedrops for allergic conjunctivitis and nasal sprays for nasal allergy symptoms.

Some examples of mast cell stabilizers include:

• Intal
• Tilade
• Crolom
• Alomide
• Alocril
• Opticrom
• Alamast
• Nasalcrom

What are the side effects? Well, one problem is that it takes several weeks for the effects to be felt. In addition to that if you use inhaled treatments you may experience throat irritation, coughing or skin rashes. Also, the eye drops may cause burning, stinging or blurred vision.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers work by blocking the effects of leukotrienes, chemicals produced in the body in response to an allergy. These medications are usually used to treat asthma and nasal allergy symptoms. They can be prescribed along with other medications.

These medications are available only pills, chewable tablets, and oral granules, and have to be prescribed.

The brand names include:

• Accolate
• Singulair
• Zyflo

The side effects or risks of these particular medications include stomach pain or stomach upset, heartburn, fever, stuffy nose, cough, rash, or headache.

Other Over-The-Counter Medications

There are several options for basic or generic allergy medications that you can buy over the counter, however, if your symptoms are severe it may be best to speak with a physician rather than try and self-medicate.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be the most effective form of treatment if you suffer from allergies more than three months of the year. What the shots do is help you build a tolerance for the allergen by exposing your immune system to it gradually. You will want to talk to your doctor about this option.

Other options:

Avoidance

One of the best treatment options for allergies for those who do not want to take medication is to simply avoid the allergen. If you are allergic to foods, avoid those foods, if you are allergic to cats avoid cats. This is not the best option, but it is an option you can explore.