Allergy sufferers looking for relief at the local pharmacy are
faced with many product choices. To make the right choice for you,
you first need to recognize and understand your symptoms. Then,
learn what medicines are available over-the-counter, how each
medicine works, and which symptoms each type of medicine is
designed to treat.
What's happening: The allergic
response
Allergies are the immune system's response
to normally harmless substances that it mistakes for harmful
substances. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance, such
as pollen, causes the immune system to react as if the substance is
harmful. Substances that cause allergies are called allergens.
When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system
kicks into gear. If you are allergic to pollens or other substance
that you breathe in, the membranes in your nose might become
irritated, swollen, and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as
sneezing, a runny nose, headache, and/or congestion (pressure) in
your nose and head. Your eyes also might water and itch. If you are
allergic to something that comes into contact with your skin, you
might break out in hives or a rash. Taking the right medicine for
your symptoms is important.
Medicines available over-the-counter to treat allergy
symptoms
There are many medicines available
over-the-counter to treat mild allergy symptoms. The most common
medicines are antihistamines and decongestants. Some medicines
combine an antihistamine and a decongestant, and some include a
pain reliever.
Antihistamines - When you inhale an allergen,
special cells in your nose and sinuses (the open spaces behind your
nose and eyes) release a chemical called histamine. Histamine
causes the tissues in your nose to itch and swell, and to alter the
mucus it secretes. (It becomes clear and runny.) Antihistamine
medicines block histamine from interacting with the nasal tissues,
thus preventing symptoms.
Decongestants - In response to an allergen, the
tissues in your nose swell, and increase their production of fluid
and mucus. As a result, you might feel fullness or pressure in your
nose and head (congestion), and you might have trouble breathing
through your nose. Decongestants help reduce the swelling, which
relieves the feeling of pressure and improves airflow through your
nose.
Topical corticosteroids - Many products, especially
those containing fragrances and/or dyes, can irritate the skin or
cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms include itchy, scaly red
patches or rash; swelling; hives; or blisters. Topical (on the
skin) corticosteroids can help control the itching, swelling, and
redness.