Allergies happen when the immune system produces antibodies in reaction to foreign substances entering the body, perceiving the substance to be a threat when it actually isn’t. Symptoms include sinus pressure, runny nose and eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing. Most people can effectively deal with allergic rhinitis with over-the-counter medications, but people with severe allergies sometimes cannot.
Allergy shots have been a standard treatment for severe allergies for more than 70 years. The procedure involves getting shots every week for several months in an attempt to get the immune system to react less severely to the presence of an allergen. Once relief is achieved, patients usually continue to need allergy shots once a month for several more months. Allergy shots are time-consuming, and they don’t always work. Furthermore, a lot of people don’t like the idea of frequent injections. Fortunately, there are other options for managing allergies that don’t involve allergy shots.
Antihistamines
In allergy sufferers, when the immune system detects an allergen, the body releases histamines, which cause swelling and irritation, whether of the skin, eyes, or nasal passages. Antihistamines block cell receptors that would normally cause histamine to be produced, and because less histamine is produced, allergy symptoms are reduced. There are many different types of antihistamines, some of which are sold over the counter and others which are sold by prescription. It may take some trial and error, but antihistamines can be an effective method for coping with allergic rhinitis.
Steroid Nasal Sprays
Steroid nasal sprays, like Nasonex, Nasacort, and Flonase, work in an entirely different way than nasal decongestant sprays. Steroid nasal sprays are safe for long term use, while decongestant sprays should only be used for a few days. After several days of regular use of steroid nasal spray, allergy sufferers feel relief from their allergy symptoms, due to the drug reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Currently, these drugs are sold by prescription, but they can be effective over the long term, and don’t cause the problem of rebound congestion that occurs with nasal decongestant sprays.
Allergy Drops
An exciting new possibility for long term allergy treatment is allergy drops. Used in Europe for the past 20 years or so, these products aren’t FDA-approved for treating allergies, but several manufacturers have submitted applications for FDA approval. Rather than going to a doctor’s office and getting allergy shots, the patient places drops or dissolvable tablets under the tongue, which causes tiny doses of allergens to enter the body. As with allergy shots, the body learns to tolerate the allergen over time.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last March found that allergy drops are effective in decreasing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Dr. Sandra Lin of Johns Hopkins University, the leader of the study said, “Our findings are clear evidence that sublingual immunotherapy in the form of allergy drops are an effective potential treatment option for millions of Americans suffering from allergic asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.”
While more research is needed in order to determine optimal doses, allergy drops have several advantages over allergy shots. Because they can be taken at home, patients save considerable time over visiting a doctor’s office for shots, and because no injections are required, doctors believe that compliance may be better with allergy drops than with keeping up allergy shots. They can be taken starting before allergy season (for those with seasonal allergies to allergens like ragweed pollen) so that when the allergen concentration in the air increases, the body is ready.
Allergy drops are generally not covered by insurance, however, but the cost is comparable to some insurance co-pays for allergy shot treatments. Many patients should find that they can decrease their dependence on other allergy medications after treatment with allergy drops, helping offset the out-of-pocket cost.
Through various combinations of antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, allergy shots or drops, and lifestyle changes, many people are able to effectively cope with allergic rhinitis without having to miss a lot of school or work. Steps like frequent vacuuming and laundering of household linens, and regular grooming appointments for pets to keep dander levels down can help allergy sufferers as well.
eDrugstore.com offers prescription allergy relief medications like Clarinex, Nasacort, Flonase, and Nasonex, products that have provided allergy symptom relief for millions of people. With a strong commitment to great customer service, online security, and patient privacy, eDrugstore.com makes treating chronic allergies as convenient as possible.
Photo Credits: David Castillo Dominici / freedigitalphotos.net, stockimages / freedigitalphotos.net
We specialize in providing our over 1,000,000 customers with relevant product and condition information created by our professional editorial staff which includes our team of medical writers, medical practitioners, and health educators. eDrugStore.com Staff on Facebook