Medications for allergy relief
ASTHMA and other allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis ( hay fever), food allergy, and atopic dermatitis (eczema), are common for all age groups. In fact, according to The World Allergy Organization ( WAO), up to two in five people may have shown symptoms of or have been affected by allergic diseases sometime in their life all around the globe.
What’s more, research published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that hospital admissions from anaphylaxis increased by 615% in the 20 years from 1992 to 2012 in the United Kingdom alone. And while allergies might only be an inconvenience to some, for others it might be severe to the point of life-threatening.
For everyone who has allergies, knowing the different classes of medication for allergy relief would be crucial in understanding how to deal with it.
ANTIHISTAMINES
Antihistamines are used to treat hay fever and other allergies induced by histamines. Histamines are naturally produced by the immune system to help fight allergens, or foreign substances causing the allergic reaction. In this case, histamines are producing symptoms causing discomfort, like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.
Antihistamines are usually available over the counter and by prescription, commonly in the form of pills, nasal sprays, syrups and eye drops. These may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, or general malaise.
DECONGESTANTS
Decongestants are often prescribed alongside antihistamines to relieve symptoms like a runny nose, or congested sinuses. Decongestants shrink blood vessels in the nose that may have swelled in reaction to allergens.
These medications are commonly found over-the-counter as nasal sprays, pills, or eye drops, and should be used for only a few days at a time. However, as decongestants raise blood pressure, pregnant women and people with high blood pressure are advised not to take decongestants and should consult their doctor. Side effects may include temporary burning in the nose, headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, or insomnia.
CORTICOSTEROIDS
Corticosteroids can treat inflammation caused when the body is reacting to an allergen. These medications cannot be bought over-the-counter and requires a prescription. They relieve symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and an itchy, runny nose. Corticosteroids must be taken regularly and may take one to two weeks before the full effects can be felt.
Side effects of corticosteroids may include nosebleeds, irritation, and high blood pressure.
EPINEPHRINE
Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Available only as prescription medication, it is used to reverse symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, weak pulse, and hives. However, once injected, the effects of the medicine will not last for very long and it is highly recommended that a person should seek medical attention.
ALLERGY INJECTIONS (IMMUNOTHERAPY)
Allergy shots may be an effective longterm solution to allergies, as it works to help the body develop a natural immunity to allergens. The process works by injecting a small amount of the allergen so the body, effectively training the body to fight it. However, the treatment requires a large amount of time, as it usually takes about a year for the results to take effect. Afterwards, it needs to be maintained for a few more years for a lasting benefit. Immunotherapy may end an allergy, or prevent a minor allergic reaction into progressing to something more serious.