According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), as many as 50 million individuals in the United States suffer from some form of allergic disease. Fortunately, there are a variety of medications available to treat this chronic disease. Prior to taking any medications, everyone should become familiar with the medicine, as well as other medications available to treat this condition.
Antihistamines
Health care providers frequently prescribe antihistamines to relieve and treat chronic allergy symptoms. Histamine, the main contributor to allergy symptoms, is a chemical substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. When sensitized individuals become exposed to an allergen, mast cells release histamine via the immune system. Antihistamine blocks the effect of histamine by preventing it from traveling to major systems in the body. This preventative defense aids in the reduction of allergy symptoms. Antihistamines have various formulations, which include nasal spray, eye drops, tablets and creams. The type prescribed depends on the symptoms presented. The AAAAI lists nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, difficulty in urination and constipation as possible side effects. A health care provider can determine if the benefits of a medication outweigh the associated risk.
Decongestants
Providers often combine antihistamines and decongestants for stronger results. Decongestants reduce allergy-related redness and nasal congestion by shrinking blood vessels in the affected areas. Most decongestants are available over-the-counter and come in tablet, nasal spray or liquid form. Side effects can include an elevated blood pressure, sleeplessness and nervousness. The AAAAI reports that, depending on the type of decongestant, symptoms can elevate if used for greater than four consecutive days.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Allergy sufferers develop inflammation that affects various parts of the body. Inflammation can occur on the skin, causing eczema. Inflammation can also occur in the nose, causing allergic rhinitis. Bronchial inflammation can induce asthma. To treat and prevent inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to allergy patients. The two classes of anti-inflammatory agents include mast-cell stabilizers and corticosteroids. Mast-cell stabilizers are non-steroidal and work by blocking chemicals released from the mast cells that cause inflammation. Corticosteroids, normally reserved for severe allergy symptoms, reduce swelling and the reactivity of allergic airways. Corticosteroids can be prescribed in a variety of formulations, which includes ointment, creams, aerosols, injection and tablets.
Side effects can accompany each form of the medication. For instance, the AAAAI warns that corticosteroid inhalers can cause thrush and hoarseness. More side effects accompany oral corticosteroid than inhaled or topical agents, to include increased appetite, weight gain, heatburn and menstrual irregularities. Side effects generally go away shortly after discontinuance of the medication. As listed by the AAAAI, long-term steroid use can cause ulcers, cataracts, weakened bones, high blood sugar and elevated blood pressure.
