According to MayoClinic.com, avoiding allergens is the most effective treatment for allergy relief, but when that's not enough, medications are used to treat and prevent allergic reaction symptoms. An allergic reaction is defined by MedlinePlus as an exaggeration of the immune system to a foreign substance that most people do not react to such as pollen, dairy proteins or cat dander. Most allergy medication are available over-the-counter. Discuss any medication to treat allergies with a medical doctor before use.
Corticosteroids
According to Medline Plus, corticosteroids are used to treat allergic rhinitis, an allergic condition that mainly affects the nose and surrounding areas. Corticosteroids come in cream, injection, oral or nasal spray form and are effective at reducing inflammation in the sinus cavity that leads to sinus congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Corticosteroids are available by prescription only and are intended for extended use. Most corticosteroid nasal sprays are effective after continual use for 10 to 14 days.
Decongestants
Decongestants are used to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavity to provide relief of nasal congestion, sinus headaches and post-nasal drip. The MayoClinic.com states that decongestants can have side effects that require consideration. Side effects can include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, insomnia and headaches. Do not use OTC decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days at a time as it could cause rebound congestion.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are one of the most common allergy medications, according to the National Health Services of the U.K. Antihistamines work by restricting the body from producing the histamine protein. Histamine is the protein responsible for causing allergy symptoms such as hives, nasal congestion and eye irritation. Antihistamines are categorized into sedating and non-sedating drugs. Sedating antihistamines cause extreme drowsiness while non-sedating antihistamines do not cause drowsiness in healthy adults. Antihistamines can cause dizziness, dry mouth and headaches in some people.
Bronchodilators
The AAAAI reports that bronchodilators are used to treat allergy induced asthma. Someone with allergy induced asthma will experience asthmatic symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing or chest pain, as a reaction to an allergen. Bronchodilators are prescribed by a doctor and work by reducing inflammation in the lungs to free up breathing. Bronchodilators should not be shared and need to be cleaned after each use to prevent the spread of infection.
