As the pollen allergy season is upon us, many people will be starting to feel the irritation, stuffiness and general lethargy that comes along with it. If you take prescription medication to alleviate the symptoms, then you can enjoy some relief from the effects of an allergy, but many aren’t fully aware of the wide array of medications available to help calm things down.
With this in mind, we thought it would be useful to run through just some of the ‘over the counter’ options available.
Delivery
In the modern day, you’re not just restricted to a pill when it comes to allergy medication, as there are a number of different delivery methods available. Of course, there are still pills and caplets, but there are also nasal sprays, skin creams, injections, eye drops and liquids. You’ll find that most are available from your local pharmacist, although a few will require a visit to your doctor first.
Now, we take a look now at the different medications available and what they’re used for.
Antihistamines
The most widely used of all allergy medications is antihistamine, which as the name of the drug suggests, blocks a body chemical known as histamine, something your immune system releases when an allergic reaction is triggered.
Antihistamines are available in most convenience stores and pharmacies and are ideal for combating symptoms like hives, a runny nose and itchy eyes. If you’ve ever had the kind of reaction that requires antihistamine, you’ll know what we mean. This kind of medication can be bought as either a pill, a nasal spray, a liquid or as eye drops and must be used with caution if you intend to drive or operate machinery, as they can cause drowsiness.
Decongestants
When allergies strike, a very common symptom is nasal congestion, which can lead to headaches, sore throats and a general ‘run down’ feeling. Some relief can be obtained by using a decongestant, but there are some associated side effects, such as increased blood pressure, headaches and insomnia. When using this particular medication, you need to assess whether the potential side effects are outweighed by the problem itself.
Also, it is not advisable that it be taken by anyone with any kind of heart condition.
This medication is available as either a nasal spray or a pill and it is included with some antihistamines, so always read the label.
Corticosteroids
In more severe cases, allergic reactions can require medications that contain steroids and whilst they offer relief to those suffering, they can cause some severe side effects. However, they are entirely necessary to those who need them, as normal anti allergy medication doesn’t have the required strength.
Using this medication for extend periods must be done under the watchful eye of your Doctor, as the side effects can include osteoporosis, stomach ulcers and increased blood glucose levels.
Prevention Better than Cure
Not everyone’s allergies are pollen related, which means that you might be taking all this medication to treat an allergy to something you could otherwise easily avoid.
At Allergytest, we offer affordable, easily completed hair screening, that can identify exactly what you’re allergic to. Then you can get on with the business of dealing with that particular allergy, rather than treating yourself with harsh medications that you might not even need.
If you’d like more information about how you can go about it, you can find everything you need to know at www.allergytest.co.
Take the first step to freedom from allergy today and give us a try. It costs less than you might think.
