Are you confused when you go to the drug store to choose an allergy medication for quick and lasting relief? You are not alone!

Choosing an Allergy Treatment

Medications to treat your allergies can be both non prescription (OTC) or prescription drugs. Some are once a day and others are twice or three times a day.

One of the most important OTC allergy medications includes antihistamines. They are generally the primary treatment for those who seek non prescription relief of sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. They have been on the market for decades and in general are fast acting, and even better when used before the “misery” begins. Some of the older (first generation antihistamines) cause side effects including drowsiness and impairment as well as drying of the eyes, nose and throat. More recently there are now OTC antihistamines that are truly non-sedating that provide relief for up to for 24 hours.

Decongestants work to treat nasal and sinus congestion. There are oral and nasal decongestants. Side effects are common. Overuse of nasal decongestants for more than 3-5 days will induce a “rebound congestion” that requires discontinuing the spray and treatment by a medical provider. Oral antihistamine-decongestants can provide allergy relief especially when nasal congestion and stuffiness is a prominent symptom.

Non medicated approaches to treatment include the use of nasal and sinus saline (salt water) washes. These store bought as well as home-made saline solutions have become quite popular to irrigate your nose and sinuses, especially if you have chronic sinus disease and/or infection.

Go to the following resources for more in depth information on treatment of your eye allergies by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Go to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology for tips and information on allergy medications

Other helpful links:

http://www.aaaai.org/patients/advocate/2003/spring/therapies.stm

http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/rhinitis.stm

Your health provider and or allergy specialist can help you decide on appropriate OTC as well as prescription allergy medications when needed.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.

By: Dr. Clifford Bassett

Wow, it’s been a minefield out there with all the sticky and increasingly powerful seasonal pollens that wreck havoc in unsuspecting allergy sufferers.  Tree pollens are surging in many areas of the United States right now and many people are feeling the effects in their eyes and eyelids.  The immediate desire is to scratch at the eyelids for relief – but don’t do it! A good offense is a good defense. 

Here are some survival strategies:

WASH WISELY

First, use a tear-free or “baby” shampoo to irrigate gently around your closed eyelids when bathing in the morning. This will wash away unwanted airborne pollens, mold spores and pollutants.  Always check with your eye care provider if you have eye diseases such as dry-eye syndrome or other problems in which you are receiving ongoing treatment. 

Shampoo your hair at night after pollens have accumulated to reduce the transfer to your pillow and bed sheets and break “the cycle” allowing you to feel better in the morning.

BLOCK YOUR EYES!

Wear BIG sunglasses to block the entry of allergens into the eyes!

COSMETIC OR SUNSCREEN IRRITANTS

Be aware that localized application of creams, make- up and sunscreen can be irritating.

MAYBE IT’S NOT AN ALLERGY!

Make sure you do not have an infection or “dry-eye syndrome” which is handled much differently and would require a visit to your eye care provider.  Find out what their recommendation is for specific allergy and/or eye medication.

AVOID CROSS REACTIONS

Take a look at the foods you are eating. Some of them may cross-react with the airborne seasonal pollens, triggering a cross-reaction. You could end up with worse allergy symptoms that affect your eyes, nose and throat.

About one-third of those who suffer from seasonal allergies may experience “oral allergy syndrome” when eating apples, pears, hazelnuts, carrots and almonds (to name a few). The body perceives these foods as an allergy invader, therefore causing histamines and other defender substances to cause itchy, watery eyes, as well as nasal and throat itchiness.  This occurs more so during the seasonal peak levels of pollens.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.