Anti-Histamine Medications

These medications are commonly prescribed for allergy relief. As their name intends, they block the chemical histamine which is one of the chemicals produced by your immune system to try and destroy the foreign invader (allergen). It does this by preventing histamine from binding to histamine receptor cells that initiate allergic reactions and their symptoms.

Anti-histamine medications can be taken in a tablet, liquid, nasal spray or eye drops depending on what symptoms are most prevalent. For example if you have very itchy red eyes, then anti-histamine eye drops will supply you with the fastest relief. Or if you have a nose that won’t stop running, a nasal spray may be most suitable for you.

Some of these medications you can find over the counter and some will require a prescription by your doctor. Going to see your doctor if your symptoms are quite severe is always a good idea as he or she can recommend the best medication specific to you.

Pros

Take a look at the benefits of taking anti-histamine medications:

• Relieves hayfever
• Relieves runny nose and sneezing
• Relieves watery eyes
• Assists with bites and stings by reducing redness and itching
• Can come in topical creams for the application to insect bites, stings and hives

Cons

There are a few things you have to be cautious about when taking anti-histamine medications:

• Does not decongest a blocked nose that is causing difficulty in breathing
• Possible side effects include: Headaches, dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness
• Topical application of anti-histamine is not recommended to be used longer than three days
• This medication should be avoided by pregnant women, those with glaucoma, enlarged prostate or liver disease

Popular anti-histamine medications

Over the counter: Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Tavist.

Prescription: Allegra, Astelin, Emadine (eye drops), Livostin (eye drops)

Decongestant Medications

Decongestant medications are primarily used to decongest and unblock your sinuses and nasal passages. If a congested nose is a main symptom of your allergies then decongestant medications may be all that you need. Commonly if you are suffering from congestion and other symptoms such as watery, itchy eyes then taking anti-histamine medications with decongestant medication may be suitable.

When you come in contact with an allergen particularly through inhalation, it can cause the tissues in your nose to swell up. As a result of the swelling, excess fluid and mucous are produced which can make it very difficult for you to breathe. Decongestants are then very effective at reducing this swelling to relieve the congestion and excess mucous production.

Pros

Take a look at the benefits of decongestant medications:

• Relieves nasal congestion
• Relieves excess mucous production

Cons

Decongestants are reasonably safe but some people may experience some side effects. There are also precautions with some medications:

• Short term stinging, irritation or sinus dryness
• Rebound congestion: This can occur when used for longer than 5 consecutive days causing them to become less effective
• Regular nose bleeds: If you continue to use the decongestant after rebound congestion has occured
• Not suitable for use in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, or thyroid disease
• Nasal decongestants may also be contraindicated with several medication including antidepressants, or anti-migraine medications

If you are worried, seeking advice from your doctor is essential before purchasing a decongestant.

Popular decongestant medications

Over the counter: Zyrtec-D, Benadryl Allergy and sinus (combination of anti-histamine and decongestant)

Prescription: Allegra-D, Vasocon, Zaditor, Patanol, Claritin-D

Now that you are more informed about the types of medications available to help relieve you of your symptoms, you can now feel confident in purchasing one that is most suited for you. Or if you are still unsure about using medication to assist you with your allergies, have a look around at other methods to treat them.

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