Treats Mild To Moderate Inflammation In Allergy Sufferers
Mast cell stabilizers are often used alongside other allergy treatments to help alleviate mild to moderate inflammation. These treatments work by preventing histamine from being released by the mast cells, which are the cells that produce and store histamine.
Mast cell stabilizers are available as eye drops for itchy eyes, also called allergic conjunctivitis, and as nasal sprays for nasal allergy symptoms. As with many drugs, it may take several weeks to start working at its best.
Which Type Of Allergy Medication Is Right For You
February 17, 2021 Written by: Michael Menachof Categories: Allergy, Allergy Treatment
Dr. Menachof, MD, has specialized in conditions around the head, throat, ear, nose, neck and face for over 20 years, and was the first to bring sublingual allergy drops to Colorado in 2005. He has been recognized as a Fellow by multiple academies, named one of Americas Top Facial Plastic Surgeons continually since 2003 and is featured in multiple national publications.
There are many different ways to treat allergies, and some treatments work better than others depending on your symptoms and lifestyle. Each person reacts differently to allergensthe irritants that trigger histamine reactions and cause symptoms like stuffy nose and itching. The same is true for allergy medications as well.
It may take some trials with different medications, or a combination of several, to find the ideal relief from all of your allergy symptoms. Allergy treatment options include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and other medications. Immunotherapy is also a long-term approach to allergy treatment, which gradually increases your tolerance to allergens through allergy shots or allergy drops.
Below we explain the differences between several types of allergy medicine, how they work, and which allergy symptoms they alleviate most effectively.
What Do Antihistamines Do For Sinusitis
It is beneficial for patients with allergies and acute sinusitis to use antihistamines to reduce ostiomeatal obstruction however, they should not be used on a routine basis for patients with acute sinusitis. The thickening and pooling of sinonasal secretions may complicate drainage when using antihistamines.
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What To Look For In A Decongestant:
If youre really miserable, consider an antihistamine that also contains the oral decongestant pseudoephedrine. But decongestants arent recommended for long-term use or if you have urinary tract issues, high blood pressure or heart problems as they can raise blood pressure slightly, said Dr. Bajowala.
If you want to skip the decongestant, saline rinses or neti pots may provide minor relief, too, but youll need to use them several times a day.
Skip the sprays that shrink nasal passages, such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine theyre okay for a day or two, but any longer can cause a rebound effect that makes congestion worse, said Bajowala.
Side Effects Of Antihistamines
Older antihistamines, especially over-the-counter drugs, may cause drowsiness or dizziness. However, newer second and third generation antihistamines are non-sedating, meaning they do not cause drowsiness and are safe to take before most activities. Antihistamines can also cause dryness as a side effect, especially after prolonged use.
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Best Nighttime Allergy Medicine: Benadryl Allergy Ultra Tabs
Type: Antihistamine
Active ingredient: Diphenhydramine
Dose frequency: Every 4â6 hours
Trying to get some shut-eye without waking up to a scratchy throat in the dead of night? Thereâs a solid chance that Benadryl can help. This household name is known not only for its allergy relief propertiesâcourtesy of diphenhydramine, an antihistamineâbut for causing marked drowsiness, which can be helpful if your allergy symptoms tend to keep you up at night.
Shop this and other Benadryl products:
- Active ingredient: Naphazoline, pheniramine maleate
- Dose frequency: Up to four times a day
Formerly known as VISINE-A, these antihistamine eye drops relieve both redness and irritation caused by allergies. Thatâs a more comprehensive package than youâll get with a lot of eye drops, since they often focus more on lubrication and redness relief than tackling allergic reactions directly.
Best Nasal Spray: Nasacort Aq
Nasacort AQ is a steroid nasal spray, similar to Flonase but with a different active ingredient .
The most important thing to keep in mind when using these sprays, Dr. Kalra says, is that they should be used on a regular basis to be most effective. They dont work as well when theyre used as needed. The recommended dosing for people over 18 is one spray in each nostril twice daily or two sprays in each nostril once daily.
The technique you use is incredibly important to help cut down on irritation and up the effectiveness, she adds, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package and talk to your doctor if youre unsure of how to use the spray.
These meds arent right for everyone, so talk to your doctor before starting them.
Buy it:Price: $15.79 for 120 sprays
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Children’s Tylenol Cold + Cough + Runny Nose & Fever Medicine With Acetaminophen
- Each 5-milliliter dose of the children’s medicine contains 160 milligrams of acetaminophen pain reliever and fever reducer, 1 milligram of the antihistamine chlorpheniramine maleate, and 5 milligrams of the cough suppressant dextromethorphan hbr.
- The kids’ liquid pain relief medicine also relieves minor aches & pains, headache & temporarily reduces fever fast with an ibuprofen-, aspirin-, and alcohol-free formula.
- The liquid cold medicine for children comes in a kid-friendly grape flavor that is gentle on the tummy and ideal for kids ages 6 to 11 years.
- Tylenol is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand for pain and fever relief, and has been used by parents decade after decade.
- 4-fluid ounce bottle of children’s tylenol cold + cough + runny nose oral suspension medicine to temporarily relieve cold and flu symptoms, including, sore throat, cough, runny nose and sneezing.
How Long Do Allergy Symptoms Last
Allergy symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several months depending on whats causing them and how theyre treated. For some people, allergy symptoms only appear at certain times of the year but may last for a few months called seasonal allergies. For others, they can be year-round called perennial allergies. People with seasonal allergies usually refer to the times when they experience symptoms as allergy season.
Seasonal allergies tend to be most troublesome in the spring and fall. Depending on where in the U.S. you live, spring allergy season can start as early as February and last into the beginning of summer. On the flip side,fall allergy season usually lasts from August to October, with mid-September being the roughest time.
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What Is Acetaminophen And Why We Eliminate It Too
It can be unbearable to suffer from allergic symptoms, and it is natural to want to relieve yourself of pain and fever. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, used for treating many conditions such as sinus, headache, backache, toothache and fever. It comes with side effects:
- Swelling of the tongue or lips
- Nausea
- Difficulty with breathing
- Serious skin reactions. Between 1969 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration found that 67 people required hospitalization of which 12 died after skin reactions were reported after taking acetaminophen products. This comes from documented medical literature. One of the skin reactions linked to acetaminophen included Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis . You start with flu-like symptoms such as headache, aches and fever and progress to a blister-like rash. The skin starts peeling and the hair starts falling out. This skin reaction is often fatal.
There are different brands and forms of acetaminophen available, but all labeling warns you not to take more than is recommended. It can damage your liver, more so if you drink alcohol with it.
Treats Inflammation And Swelling
Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation that is associated with allergies. These medications primarily treat and prevent nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and an itchy, runny nose caused by allergic reactions. They work quickly and limit the bodys histamine creation preventing the allergic response that leads to problematic symptoms like a stuffy nose or sore throat. Steroids can work well both for seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms.
Steroids are considered highly effective at relieving allergy symptoms, but they must be taken regularly, even when no symptoms are experienced, to work well. Like many allergy medication types, it can take several weeks before the full relief from the medicine is felt.
Systemic steroids are available as pills or liquids for serious allergies and asthma, but are also common as nasal sprays or inhalers. They can also be used as a topical cream for skin allergies to relieve hives and swelling. Many doctors recommend nasal steroid sprays to help with year-round allergies. Corticosteroid medications can take longer to kick in than antihistamines, but most healthcare providers consider them to be the most effective way to combat nasal allergies. Many, but not all, of these steroid treatments require a prescription.
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How Do You Get Rid Of Sinus Congestion From Allergies
Mucinex Expectorant And Cough Suppressant Tablets
Another top pick for chest congestion medicine comes from the same brand Mucinex. The main difference between Mucinex DM Maximum Strenght 12-Hour Expectorant and Cough Suppressant and the first on the list is that they work differently on chest congestion. This product works to suppress a cough stopping any chest irritation that might be causing you to cough in the first place.
This product effectively loosens mucus with guaifenesin and prevents the coughing reflex with dextromethorphan an ingredient lacking in the first option. Mucinex is particularly ideal for people with chest congestion who experience irritating, persistent, and troubling coughing episodes.
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Best Treatment To Manage Allergies Long Term
Immunotherapy is a great option for anyone who suffers from severe allergy symptoms, especially for those with year-round allergies. Immunotherapy works by exposing you to gradually increasing levels of an allergen to help your immune system slowly build a tolerance, relieving allergy symptoms and even preventing new allergies from developing.
Allergy shots are one form of immunotherapy that require frequent office visits to be administered by a doctor. Allergy drops are a revolutionary form of immunotherapy that can be taken under the tongue from home each day to relieve allergy symptoms long term. Both allergy shots and allergy drops can be prescribed by a doctor after specific allergies are determined by an allergy test. This is a long term approach to allergy relief and management, with most patients taking allergy shots or drops for a period of three to five years.
Best Natural: Navage Nasal Irrigation
OK, so this one isnt a medicine. But when it comes to natural remedies for allergies, a 2018 review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that nasal irrigation can be effective in relieving allergy symptoms. While the overall evidence was low and the studies were small, there are some notable benefits to nasal irrigation: namely, there are no side effects, and it can be used in both adults and children.
When using nasal irrigation, always follow the instructions exactly and only use the solution included with the product. You should never use tap water with nasal irrigation because of a small risk of introducing harmful germs to the sinus cavities, per the FDA.
Buy it:Price: $99.95
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Buildup Of Phenylalanine In The Body
- Risk factors: History of phenylketonuria
The chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, an ingredient that can cause serious health problems if you have PKU. The regular tablets, quick-dissolving tablets, and liquid form don’t contain phenylalanine. These forms may be safer options if you have PKU. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any questions about taking Zyrtec .
How Long Will It Take For My Allergy Medicine To Work
When youre experiencing allergy symptoms, you want to feel better and fast. But because each product works differently and treats specific symptoms, its important that you select the allergy medicine that will help you the most.
If youre looking for fast congestion relief, oral and nasal decongestants can start working in 15 to 30 minutes.
Antihistamines usually start working within 1 to 2 hours, depending on the product youre taking. You can also find antihistamine nasal sprays, like Astepro , that work in as little as 15 minutes.
Nasal steroids, on the other hand, take the longest to provide a benefit sometimes even a few weeks. Thats why theyre better for symptom prevention instead of treating symptoms as they happen.
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Things To Take Into Consideration
As you compare and contrast your options, it is clear that sinus pressure medicines can be vastly different from each other: this is because different people react differently to certain formulations, so pharmaceutical companies have developed various options to address each persons experience effectively.
Depending on your own bodys needs, as well as your personal preferences, it may be ideal to choose one option over another. Choose the best medicine for sinus pressure by remembering these main considerations when you step into the store.
- Treatment Form. Sinus pressure is the result of an accumulation of mucus, which commonly occurs as a cause of a viral or bacterial infection. Most of the treatments you will find for sinus pressure are geared towards resolving the symptom only and dont actually address the infection that initially caused the problem. Regardless, these products are highly effective at providing temporary relief of sinus congestion discomfort.
Most commonly, sinus pressure remedies come in three forms:
- Pills. Ideal for people on the go, capsules, and tablets are the slowest acting remedy. Despite this, however, they offer the longest-lasting results. Some pills target more than just sinus congestion, making them an effective remedy for holistic relief. Whats more, pills are also a convenient option for people on the go as theyre fairly easy to take.
Otc Allergy Medication Prices
OTC allergy medication can cost anywhere from about $5 to $25, depending on the formula and the number of pills, sprays, or drops in each container. As a general rule, the more symptoms that an allergy medicine treats, the more expensive it is.
When purchasing allergy medicine, its more important to focus on the price per dose or the daily cost of using the medication rather than the cost of the container. If you only need the medicine occasionally, compare the different types based on the cost per dose. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you will probably want to pay attention to the price per day because you might need to use the medication once or more every day for total relief from symptoms.
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What Our Experts Say
When it comes to Zyrtec, Dr. Parikh emphasizes the only thing to avoid is anything with a decongestant. I would avoid decongestants as they can cause rebound symptoms, long term side effects, and are addictive. Examples of decongestants are any allergy med that includes D for example, Zyrtec D has a decongestant and plain Zyrtec doesnt and is okay to use long-term.
Eat Or Inhale The Steam From Some Garlic Cloves
Before you throw that garlic into tonights dinner recipe, you may want to consider saving a few cloves for yourself garlic is believed to have both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that make it useful in treating a host of problems, including congestion related to colds. Research has shown that people who were given garlic supplements for 12 weeks during the cold season had significantly fewer colds than those who didnt take the garlic supplement.
For those who arent fond of the pungent taste and smell of raw garlic, try garlic sautéed with vegetables or pasta. You can also breathe in some garlic steam: Slice up a few cloves of garlic and put them in a small pot along with a cup of water, heat until steaming, and then carefully inhale the garlic steam at arms length.
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Pharmacist Tips For Allegra
Always take the medication with water. Don’t take with fruit juices as they can affect the way this medication is absorbed by your body.
Allegra is usually marketed as a non-drowsy allergy medication, but some people report dizziness and drowsiness after taking the medication. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 30 minutes before or after taking Allegra . These antacids can affect the way this medication is absorbed. If you commonly take antacids for heartburn or indigestion you can try calcium-containing antacids like Tums, which don’t interact with the medication.
Take the quick dissolving tablets on an empty stomach. All other forms of the medications can be taken with or without food.
Follow age-specific dosing on the package label and don’t take more than recommended, even if you are still having symptoms. Taking too much can lead to an overdose.
Talk with your provider or local pharmacist if your symptoms get worse or don’t get better with daily use of Allegra . They may recommend a different allergy medication for you.
Prices for Allegra start at just $6.07 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyâre fast, easy-to-use and free!