Allergic disease is the sixth leading chronic disease in the United States, affecting more than 20% of the population. Fortunately, the medical community has effective tools for managing both symptoms and the underlying causes. Allergists recommend avoiding triggers (the allergens and irritants that provoke symptoms) as a first line of defense. Prescription medications are the next step.

Allergy medications include antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn sodium, and topical corticosteroids. They may be taken individually or in combination. Because they’re designed for long-term symptom control, prescription allergy medications are much safer for ongoing use than over-the-counter medications. As with all medications, beware of drug interactions. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know about all medications and supplements you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines relieve symptoms (nasal swelling, prevent sneezing and itching in the nose, throat, and eyes) by preventing the effects of the chemical substance (histamine) produced during an allergic reaction. However, they should be taken prior to exposure to an allergen. If you’ve ever used over-the-counter antihistamines, you may be concerned about their sedative effect. Newer prescription antihistamines generally don’t have the drowsiness side effect common to over-the-counter and older prescription antihistamines. However, even the new antihistamines are not 100% free of side effects.

Decongestants

Decongestants can get mucus moving in order to relieve the stuffiness and pressure of congested sinuses. They work by shrinking blood vessels in the nose. Decongestants don’t relieve sneezing or a runny nose, so they’re often taken with an antihistamine. Your doctor may prescribe an oral decongestant pill or a decongestant nasal spray. Because over-the-counter decongestant sprays can cause rebound congestion (in other words, greater stuffiness after the medicine wears off), prescription decongestant sprays are usually a safer alternative for long-term allergy management. Whether over-the-counter or prescription, decongestants often cause irritability, sleeplessness, insomnia, or high blood pressure, according to the American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).

Cromolyn sodium

Your health care provider may also prescribe cromolyn sodium nasal spray. Cromolyn sodium works to ease symptoms by blocking the release of chemicals that cause inflammation in the nasal passages. Like an antihistamine, it should be used before exposure to a trigger. Cromolyn sodium has few side effects, mainly coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Cromolyn sodium may not work for everyone. You and your doctor may discuss whether it’s the right allergy medication for you.

Topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids are prescribed for long-term allergy management. When applied directly to the surface of the bronchial tubes (with an inhaler) or the skin (as a cream) they reduce inflammation. Inhaled topical corticosteroids cut down on mucus production and make the airways less sensitive to allergic triggers. Topical corticosteroid cream reduces the swelling and redness associated with skin allergies. These steroids differ from the anabolic steroids that some athletes abuse. They won’t increase muscle mass or endurance, but they will keep symptoms at bay. Side effects are rare, according to the ACAAI, but they do include nasal dryness and nosebleeds.

Whichever medication your health care provider prescribes, it won’t help you if you fail to take the right amount of medication at the right time. So take prescription medication as directed, and maintain good communication with your doctor. Once you do, you’ll start regaining control over allergy symptoms and your quality of life.

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at 6:20 am and is filed under Allergies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.