Allergies are common during certain times of the year when allergen levels are high. Some people find that their allergy symptoms are sporadic and only occur a few days out of every season. However, you might require medical treatment for recurring allergies that last several days in a row. Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may need ongoing treatment through prescription medications as well as immunotherapy. Always consult your physician before taking an over-the-counter medication, especially if you are currently using other drugs.
Causes
Recurring allergies are most prevalent in those with specific sensitivities. Allergens range from particles in the air, such as pollen, dust and mold, to certain foods and medications. Animal dander and venom are also allergenic to some individuals. When your body encounters an allergen, it releases a high amount of antibodies that are measurable by your immunoglobin (IgE) levels in the blood.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Over-the-counter allergy medications are one of the first sources of relief for allergy sufferers, because they are affordable and widely available. Oral antihistamines are effective for pollen allergies, because they block your body from releasing histamine when you encounter the substances. Decongestants help alleviate congestion in both the sinuses and the nose. Over-the-counter nasal sprays can help relieve inflammation in your nose from sneezing, while eye drops are used to relieve dryness and itchiness. Check with your doctor before using any of these methods for allergy relief.
Prescription Medications
In some cases, an over-the-counter medication may not be enough to battle recurring allergies. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a more powerful drug, but perhaps a different type that is only available by prescription. Aside from preventive methods through prescription antihistamines and decongestants, you might require sudden relief from severe symptoms through a prescription corticosteroid, according to MayoClinic.com. Corticosteroids come in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops, inhalers and tablets.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, are used in people with severe allergies to help build up immunity to specific allergens. The American Academy of Family Physicians says that allergy shots are the most effective for allergic asthma, pollen allergies and sensitivities to insect bites. Allergy shots are recommended if over-the-counter and prescription drug methods fail. You will likely have to continue medications during immunotherapy, because the process takes at least six months to go into effect, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Considerations
The only way to truly determine the most effective form of recurring allergy treatment is with a diagnosis from an allergist. Skin tests are used to diagnose allergies to foods, pollen, mold, dander and dust mites, as well as medications and venom. According to Medline Plus, skin tests are the most common type of all allergy tests, because they tend to be more effective than blood tests. During a skin test, a physician pricks your skin with various allergens to determine your body’s reaction to them. A blood test may still be used to determine your overall IgE levels.
