Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used medications for relieving allergy symptoms. They work by blocking or reducing histamine, a chemical released by the immune system that causes symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes.
They are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Some antihistamines may cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or nausea, although newer formulations tend to have fewer of these effects. Common examples include Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist, Zyrtec, Clarinex, and Xyzal.
intranasal Corticosteroids spray
Nasal corticosteroids are prescription nasal sprays that help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages caused by allergies. They are highly effective at relieving symptoms, but may occasionally lead to side effects such as nasal dryness, nosebleeds, or a sore throat.
These medications are generally considered safe for long-term use under medical supervision. Common examples include Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, and Rhinocort.
Mast Cell Inhibitors
Mast cell inhibitors help prevent allergy symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical the immune system produces in response to allergens like pollen.
These medications are available as nasal sprays and eye drops and are most effective when started one to two weeks before allergy season begins. They are then used daily throughout the season to maintain symptom control.
allergy skin test
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances in the environment as threats and reacts excessively to them. Immunotherapy works by gradually exposing the body to small, controlled amounts of these allergens, helping the immune system become less sensitive over time.
The goal of immunotherapy is to retrain the immune system to tolerate allergens rather than overreact to them, providing long-term relief from allergy symptoms and addressing the underlying cause of allergic reactions.
allergy shot
Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy, or SCIT) are a common long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor, and insect sting allergies. They work by gradually exposing your immune system to small amounts of an allergen, helping your body build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions over time.
Treatment consists of two phases. During the build-up phase, increasing doses of the allergen are administered weekly or biweekly over several months. Once the effective dose is reached, your doctor will advise when to spread out the shots until once monthly injections. This process takes 3-5 years.
allergy drops
Sublingual allergy drops (SLIT) are a form of immunotherapy that works similarly to allergy shots but without injections. Instead, small doses of allergens are placed under the tongue to help the immune system build tolerance over time. Because they can be self-administered at home, sublingual allergy drops offer a convenient alternative to allergy shots and are typically taken every day until weaning off at the advice of your doctor.
Allergy drops at the proper dose may be nearly as effective as allergy shots but without the discomfort and inconvenience. They are also safer than allergy shots. Drops can treat more allergens than prescription tablets.
