Comprehensive Guide to 6 Key Allergy Relief Medications

As allergy season approaches, symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion can disrupt daily life. While avoiding allergens is ideal, medications are often necessary for relief. The market offers various options including pills, liquids, nasal sprays, inhalers, skin creams, and injections. Some medicines are available over-the-counter, while others require a doctor's prescription. Understanding the different types of allergy medications can help you select the most effective treatment for your symptoms.

Knowing the categories of allergy medicines can be valuable during flare-ups.

Antihistamines
Allergic reactions are triggered by histamine released by the immune system. Antihistamines block this chemical, providing symptom relief. They come as pills, liquids, sprays, and eye drops.

Oral medicines
For runny nose, watery eyes, or swelling, oral antihistamines are effective. These include OTC options like second-generation drugs such as cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine, which cause less drowsiness compared to older options like diphenhydramine.

Although overdose can cause excessive drowsiness, these medications are generally safe when used properly.

Nasal sprays
Ideal for sneezing and congestion, nasal sprays like azelastine and olopatadine provide quick relief but should be used cautiously to prevent dependence or side effects like bitter taste and drowsiness.

Eye drops
OTC antihistamine eye drops such as azelastine or ketotifen alleviate red, itchy, or watery eyes. For stinging, keep drops refrigerated for comfort.

Decongestants offer rapid, temporary relief for nasal blockage. However, their use is limited in specific populations due to side effects like sleep disruption, high blood pressure, or headaches. They are available as pills, liquids, and nasal sprays.

Oral decongestants
Medications like pseudoephedrine help reduce sinus pressure and are available OTC, often combined with antihistamines.

Nasal sprays
Short-term nasal sprays like oxymetazoline are effective but should be used for no more than three days to avoid rebound congestion.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation caused by allergic reactions. They are found in nasal sprays, inhalers, pills, eye drops, and skin creams.

Nasal sprays
Effective for congestion and sneezing, options include fluticasone, budesonide, and mometasone. Be cautious about potential nasal irritation.

Inhalers
Prescribed for asthma and allergic airflow issues, inhalers like beclomethasone and fluticasone help manage airway inflammation.

Eye drops
Requires medical consultation, especially for persistent or severe allergy symptoms, to prevent side effects such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Leukotriene inhibitors are oral medications that block chemicals involved in allergic inflammation, providing symptom relief under medical supervision.

Allergy Immunotherapy involves allergy shots or sublingual tablets for long-term relief when traditional medications fall short. Treatment spans 3 to 5 years.

Mast Cell Stabilizers like cromolyn sodium prevent mast cells from releasing allergy chemicals. They are used in sprays and eye drops, especially when antihistamines are ineffective.

Always consult a healthcare professional to review your medical history before starting any allergy treatment, especially if you are on other medications or have underlying health conditions.