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Key Points
- Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids are the first line of defense against allergy symptoms.
- Long-term allergy treatments such as immunotherapy, which gradually builds up the immune system's tolerance to allergens, are also discussed.
- When traditional treatments don't work, alternatives include changing medication dosage, using herbal supplements, acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and consulting with a specialist.
- Lifestyle changes can also help manage allergy symptoms, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, and installing air filters at home.
- For severe allergies that interfere with daily life and don't respond to OTC medications or home remedies, the article suggests visiting an urgent care clinic.
Navigating the world of over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications can be a practical and convenient approach to managing your allergy symptoms. These medications are readily available and can provide significant relief without the need for a prescription, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, they also note that it’s important to understand the different types of OTC allergy medications to choose the one that best suits your specific needs.
Here are some common types of OTC allergy medications that can help you, according to the Mayo Clinic:
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Antihistamines: Medications like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) work by blocking histamine, a substance in your body that causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
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Decongestants: Options like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can relieve nasal congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
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Corticosteroids: Nasal sprays such as fluticasone (Flonase) reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, helping to alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
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Mast Cell Stabilizers: Products like cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom) prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells, reducing allergy symptoms before they start.
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Combination Medications: Some OTC products combine antihistamines and decongestants, offering a broader range of symptom relief in a single dose.
Learn About Long-Term Allergy Treatment
For those seeking a more permanent solution to their allergy woes, long-term allergy treatments like immunotherapy offer a promising alternative, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that, unlike over-the-counter medications that provide temporary relief, immunotherapy works by gradually exposing your immune system to small, controlled amounts of the allergens that trigger your symptoms. This process helps your body build up a tolerance to these allergens, reducing the severity and frequency of your allergic reactions.
There are several forms of immunotherapy, each tailored to different needs and preferences, according to the Mayo Clinic:
Allergy Shots
Also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), allergy shots involve regular injections of allergen extracts under the skin. The treatment typically starts with weekly injections that contain increasing amounts of the allergen. Once the maintenance dose is reached, the frequency of injections is reduced to once every few weeks. This method has been proven effective for treating a variety of allergies, including pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
Allergy Drops
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves placing drops of allergen extract under the tongue. This method is less invasive than allergy shots and can be administered at home, making it a convenient option for many patients. The drops are taken daily, and like allergy shots, they gradually increase the body's tolerance to the allergen. SLIT is commonly used for allergies to pollen, dust mites, and certain foods.
Under-the-Tongue Tablets
Similar to allergy drops, sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue and dissolve quickly. These tablets are taken daily and are designed to treat specific allergies, such as grass pollen and ragweed. The convenience of taking a tablet at home makes this an attractive option for those looking for a less invasive form of immunotherapy.
How to Improve Allergies: 8 Alternatives for Allergy Relief
When traditional allergy treatments fail to provide adequate relief, exploring alternative methods can offer new avenues for managing symptoms, according to WebMD. Below you’ll find various strategies that can complement or enhance your current allergy management plan, providing a holistic approach to achieving better health and comfort:
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Take Another Allergy Test: Identifying new or additional allergens can help tailor your treatment plan more effectively. A fresh allergy test can provide updated information on what triggers your symptoms.
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Change the Dosage of the Medication: Adjusting the dosage, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can sometimes improve the effectiveness of your current medication.
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Take a Break: Giving your body a rest from certain medications can sometimes reset your system and improve the efficacy of the medication when you resume it.
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Herbal Supplements: Natural remedies like butterbur, quercetin, and stinging nettle have been known to alleviate allergy symptoms for some people. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
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Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique has been shown to reduce allergy symptoms in some individuals by balancing the body's energy flow.
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Nasal Irrigation: Using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages can help remove allergens and reduce nasal congestion. Neti pots and saline sprays are common tools for nasal irrigation.
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Avoid Triggers: Identifying and minimizing exposure to known allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, can significantly reduce symptoms.
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See a Specialist: Consulting with an allergist or immunologist can provide specialized insights and treatment options that are tailored to your specific condition.
Can’t Stop Sneezing? Check up on Your Lifestyle
If you find yourself constantly sneezing and struggling with persistent allergy symptoms, it might be time to take a closer look at your lifestyle, according to WebMD. They explain that small changes in your daily habits can have a significant impact on managing and alleviating allergies. This section explores various lifestyle adjustments that can help you achieve better control over your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Here are some practical lifestyle changes to consider, according to WebMD:
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Stop Smoking: Smoking can aggravate respiratory symptoms and weaken your immune system, making allergies worse. Quitting smoking can lead to significant improvements in your allergy symptoms and overall health.
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Reduce Alcohol Drinking: Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase histamine levels, exacerbating allergy symptoms. Cutting down on alcohol consumption can help reduce these effects and improve your comfort.
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Consider an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms. Incorporating foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries into your diet can make a difference.
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Add Air Filters at Home: Installing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home can help remove airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, creating a cleaner and healthier living environment.
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Take Hot Showers for Steam Inhalation: The steam from hot showers can help open up nasal passages and reduce congestion, providing temporary relief from allergy symptoms. Additionally, showering can help wash away allergens that may be clinging to your skin and hair.
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If your allergy symptoms are interfering with your daily life and you haven’t found any over-the-counter medications or home remedies that work for you, you can find top-rated urgent care clinics near you using Solv. Visiting an urgent care clinic can help you get on the right allergy meds for your symptoms and provide you with better relief this allergy season.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my antihistamine not doing anything?
Your allergy medications, including any antihistamines you take might not be effective for several reasons, including incorrect dosage, wrong type of medication, or the presence of new allergens, according to the Mayo Clinic. They explain that sometimes, your body can also develop a tolerance to certain antihistamines, rendering them less effective over time. Additionally, if your symptoms are caused by non-histamine pathways, antihistamines may not be the appropriate treatment, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Is it okay to take two allergy pills in 24 hours?
Taking two allergy pills within a 24-hour period is generally not recommended unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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