Every year, millions of Americans suffer from airborne allergies caused by pollen, house dust mites, molds and pet dander. Persons allergic to airborne allergens may experience mild to severe cases of hay fever or allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat, hives and shortness of breath or coughing. The quality of life is often affected, as sufferers perform poorly at school or work, miss school or works days, and have sleep problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease or NIAID has a comprehensive list for reducing exposure to airborne allergens and several treatment options for managing allergies.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are prescription drugs that block the effects of histamines, the chemicals in the body that produce the symptoms of allergy. Antihistamines can relieve itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes and other symptoms produced by histamines, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease or NIAID. Side-effects of antihistamines include sleepiness and loss of coordination, so drugs with lesser side-effects are available over-the-counter.
Decongestants
Decongestants help relieve the symptoms of congestion, swelling, excess mucus and discomfort caused by a reaction to pollen and other airborne allergens. Decongestants come in prescription, OTC, nasal sprays or oral forms and come in combination with antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, advises patients to limit the use of decongestant nose drops or sprays to a few days to prevent a "rebound effect" or worsening nasal congestion.
Non-Steroidal Nasal Sprays
Non-steroidal nasal sprays, such as cromolyn sodium, stop the release of histamine and other chemicals in the nasal passages. Cromolyn sodium can prevent allergic rhinitis if used before symptoms start. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), cromolyn sodium should be used 3 to 4 times a day to be effective, according to the FDA.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy injection or allergy shot is the only treatment that can reduce the symptoms of hay fever over time, according to the NIAID. Over a period of 3 to 5 years, the patient receives increasing amounts of the specific allergen that he is allergic to. The injections cause the immune system to make a protective antibody, desensitizing the body to the allergen and decreasing the need for more medications. The NIAID notes that some patients can get worse after stopping the allergy shots. The NIAID recommends that more research is needed to make a more effective immunotherapy treatment.
