Allergies refer to a common condition in which your body creates a response against a foreign invader such as pollen. The Mayo Clinic states that some symptoms of allergies include congestion, itchy nose, a skin rash and hives. Risk factors for allergies include having a family or personal history of asthma or allergies. There is a variety of allergy medications available to treat your allergy symptoms.
Corticosteroids
The Mayo Clinic states that corticosteroids prevent and treat inflammation by blocking allergy symptoms. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone are available as pills or liquid. Muscle weakness, osteoporosis (brittle bones) and cataracts (clouding of the eye lenses) are just some of its side effects. Nasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone is available as a nasal spray. Nasal irritation and nosebleeds are some of its side effects. Inhaled corticosteroids such as flunisolide can help treat allergy-induced asthma. A headache, cough and mouth infection are common side effects of inhaled corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are also available as eyedrops or skin creams. Corticosteroid eyedrops can treat your red and itchy eyes, while corticosteroid skin creams can treat your itchy skin, states the Mayo Clinic.
Antihistamines
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), antihistamines can treat your allergies as well. Specifically, these medications prevent your cells from releasing histamine (a natural chemical in your body responsible for establishing an allergic reaction). You can purchase antihistamines at your local pharmacy. They are available as a tablet, liquid or nasal spray. Drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation are a few side effects of antihistamines.
Decongestants
The Mayo Clinic states that decongestants can help relieve your nasal and sinus (air spaces in your skull) congestion. You can easily buy these medications at your local pharmacy. Like corticosteroid medications, decongestant medications are available as a pill, liquid, nasal spray or eyedrop.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers such as cromolyn sodium prevent the release of histamine from histamine-containing mast cells (cells that reside in tissues near your blood vessels), states AAAAI. Without histamine, your body cannot develop allergy symptoms.
Montelukast
According to the Mayo Clinic, monteleukast is a medication that blocks leukotrienes (a substance of your immune system that aids in inflammation). Headaches, earaches and upper respiratory tract infections such as a sinus infection are some of monteleukast's side effects.
