"If you have allergies, you know how physically and mentally debilitating symptoms like sneezing, itching, congestion, and rashes can be over time," says Alexander J. Alvarez, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, Allergy and Asthma. "Whether it's cedar fever, spring fever, or your beloved pet, there comes a point where any relief is a relief!"
The good news is that the right medication can provide real allergy relief. A doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) can help you choose the best treatment for your symptoms, whether that's an over-the-counter (OTC) medication or a prescription option.
Antihistamines
One of the most common types of medication used for allergies, antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Histamine is what causes itching, sneezing, and rashes. By stopping histamine, these medications can quickly reduce many allergy symptoms.
Commonly used for:
- Hay fever
- Insect stings
- Motion sickness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
Examples of antihistamines:
- OTC: Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Benadryl
- Prescription: Clarinex, Vistaril
Decongestants
These medications work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages. This reduces inflammation and helps you breathe more easily. Decongestants are often used for short-term allergy relief, especially during flare-ups.
Commonly used for short-term relief of:
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Stuffy nose
- Colds
- Flu
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
Examples:
- OTC: Sudafed, Afrin nasal spray
- Prescription: NoHist-LQ, Novahistine (these are combined antihistamine and decongestant formulations)
Nasal corticosteroids
Nasal sprays that target inflammation directly in the nose. They are very effective for treating ongoing symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Unlike some other medications, nasal corticosteroids work best when used consistently.
Commonly used for:
- Allergy symptoms (sneezing, itching, congestion, runny nose)
- Nonallergic rhinitis
- Shrinking nasal polyps
Examples:
- OTC: Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort
- Prescription: Qnasl, Xhance
Allergy drops and shots
For long-term treatment seasonal allergies, allergy shots and allergy drops can help your body become less sensitive to allergens. This approach is called immunotherapy.
Commonly used for:
- Environmental allergies
- Pet dander
- Insect stings
- Allergy-related asthma
Prescription only: Allergy shots and allergy drops both require a prescription.
"Don't let allergies dictate your day," says Dr. Alvarez. "There is an effective allergy treatment out there that will help you manage your symptoms."
ARC Allergy and Asthma
ARC Allergy and Asthma specialists are doctors and APCs specially trained in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergy and asthma disorders. ARC Allergy and Asthma doctors and APCs can diagnose asthma and your environmental, food, or drug allergies, then develop a personalized treatment plan that may include allergy testing, medication, or allergy drops and shots.
Time to plan for back to school!
Now is the time to schedule a visit with your ARC Allergy and Asthma doctor or APC to get your child's Food Allergy Action Plan and/or Asthma Action Plan forms filled out for the upcoming school year.
Call today to schedule
Dr. Alvarez currently sees patients ages one and over at ARC South 1st Pediatrics in Austin. (Note: beginning this summer, Dr. Alvarez will begin seeing patients at ARC South Specialty and will no longer see patients at ARC South 1st Pediatrics.) He has a Fellowship in Allergy & Immunology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
To make an appointment with Dr. Alvarez, call 512-272-4636 (512-ARC-INFO).