Allergy medications---not allergy shots, or immunotherapy---represent the first line of treatment for hay fever or perennial allergies. Both allergy drugs and allergy shots effectively reduce the effects of some allergies, such as to cedar pollen or bee venom, but cannot treat food allergies.
Many types of oral and nasal medications, however, offer quick-relief alternatives to immunotherapy, which takes place over several years. Allergy patients can instead choose from medications that prevent or treat their indoor or outdoor allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines and Decongestants
The Mayo Clinic notes that some immunotherapy patients must continue allergy shots indefinitely to keep symptoms at bay. Seasonal allergy sufferers who prefer taking medicine only during hay fever season can try antihistamines and decongestants. Doctors recommend these over-the-counter and prescription medications most often for short-term use. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and desloratadine treat allergy symptoms of itching, sneezing and runny noses. Decongestants such as oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine relieve solely congestion.
Some allergy products combine the two types of medication so that patients only have to take one pill or nasal spray application. Liquid formulas offer safe and palatable alternatives for children. The drawbacks of these drugs include some uncomfortable and serious side effects. Many antihistamines are known for causing drowsiness and impairing reaction times. Decongestants can intensify symptoms after three days' dosage and shouldn't be taken by heart patients.
Nasal Steroids
Patients with multiple hay fever allergies or who need year-round indoor protection can select from several prescription-only nasal steroid sprays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), these drugs safely relieve all allergy symptoms, including congestion, without dangerous side effects.
Nasal steroids such as fluticasone furoate must be taken daily but can easily be administered to children as young as two years of age. Some formulas, including flunisolide and fluticasone propionate, are available as less-expensive generic drugs.
Cromolyn Sodium
Nonprescription cromolyn sodium also addresses both runny nose and stuffy nose allergy symptoms. For patients or parents of allergic children who are looking for the gentlest alternative to allergy shots, this short-acting nasal spray supplies effectiveness without side effects. More frequent dosing marks the downside and targeted, seasonal dosing marks the upside of this allergy medication.
While patients may need four to six doses daily to prevent hay fever symptoms, cromolyn sodium is also gentle enough for year-round administration to adults and young children. According to the AAAAI, allergy patients with high blood pressure may also use cromolyn sodium without risk of drug interactions.
