Millions of people in the United States alone suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies can occur at any time of year, depending on the particular allergen causing your symptoms, but they are incredibly common during the spring, when plants bloom and spread their spores. There has not been any major preventative medical progress when it comes to allergies, but newer, better allergy symptom management continues to be developed. There are many allergy symptom treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter, that are available for you to use. If you suffer from seasonal allergies and are looking for relief, read on to learn more about some of the treatments that are available.
Seasonal Allergy Treatments
- Flonase
- Claritin
- Immunotherapy
Flonase
Fluticasone is a nasal spray. It helps relieve allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and itching. It also helps stop sneezing. Itchy, watery eyes are also helped by Flonase. Unlike many other allergy medications, Flonase is a corticosteroid, not an antihistamine. Corticosteroids help reduce swelling and other types of inflammation. This medication is administered by inserted the pump into your nose and spraying 1-3 times once or twice a day. Side effects include nasal dryness and nausea, and you should tell your doctor immediately if you experience eye pain or severe nosebleeds.
Highlights:
- Treats allergy nasal symptoms and eye symptoms
- Use only 1-3 times per day
- May cause side effects like nasal dryness
Claritin
Claritin, also known as loratadine, is an antihistamine that blocks the body’s production of the chemical histamine, which happens during an allergic reaction and causes allergy symptoms. It is not intended for severe allergic reactions and does not prevent hives, but it does help relieve symptoms such as itching, runny nose, and sneezing. Unlike most allergy medications, this drug has few to no side effects. Interestingly, it does not even cause drowsiness like most other antihistamines. Before taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history to rule out any contraindications.
Highlights:
- Has no side effects
- Treats mild to moderate seasonal allergies
- Is not intended to treat severe allergic reactions
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, is a newly developed method designed to help an allergy sufferer’s own body change its immune response to allergens. It works by having tiny amounts of a particular allergen, the one the sufferer is sensitive to, injected over time. This causes an antibody response. Over time, this repeated assault on the person’s immune system forces the immune system to change and evolve, and the allergy sufferer would then experience a reduced allergic response to the allergen or no longer be allergic to it at all. This method is used primarily in adults, because allergies change in kids and what may have caused an allergic response at one time might not at another, later time. For those with established allergies, immunotherapy may be the best bet for preventing the misery of seasonal allergies for good.
Highlights:
- Used for adults, not children
- Works over time to reduce allergic reactions
- Changes the immune system itself
Conclusion
Suffering from allergies can make life miserable for anyone, even if your symptoms are mild. Using these treatments can help you find the relief you deserve.