Allergy medications – types, indications, properties, use

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, bee venom, or animal hair, or food that doesn’t respond to most people. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to avoid the things you are allergic to. To control watery eyes, runny nose and all other unpleasant allergenic symptoms, you can use reliable allergy medications.

Allergy medications – antihistamines

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic symptoms, which is released by the immune system during an allergic reaction.

Oral antihistamines are available over the counter and by prescription. They relieve a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, swelling, and other signs or symptoms of allergies. However, be aware that some of these medications can cause drowsiness and fatigue (including diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine) and should be used with caution when you are driving a car or engaging in other activities that require attention.

Among the antihistamines that cause drowsiness much less frequently are:

1. Cetirizine;
2. Desloratadyne;
3. Feksofenadyne;
4. Levocetirizine;
5. Loratadyna.

Antihistamines are also available as nasal sprays and help soothe sneezing, itching, sinus congestion and runny nose. The side effects of using antihistamine nasal sprays include, among others: a bitter taste, sleepiness or feeling tired. Aerosolized antihistamines include azelastine and olopatadine.

Another form of antihistamines are over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine drops, which can soothe itchy, red and swollen eyes. The drops may contain a combination of antihistamines and other drugs. As with any medication, you may experience various side effects when taking them, such as headaches and dry eyes. For easier use, it is recommended to keep antihistamine drops in the refrigerator. Examples of such measures are:

1. Ketotifen;
2. Olopatadine;
3. Pheniramine;
4. Naphazoline.

Also read: How does the immune system work?

Medicines for allergies – means of decongesting the upper respiratory tract

The next group of medications for allergies are the decongestants of the upper respiratory tract, the task of which is to temporarily relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Of course, their use may be associated with symptoms such as sleep problems, headaches, high blood pressure, and irritability. They are also not recommended for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid gland.

These remedies are available as tablets, liquids, sprays, or nasal drops. Oral decongestants of the upper airways relieve nasal congestion and sinuses caused by hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Many decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, are available over the counter.

Many oral antiallergic drugs contain decongestants and an antihistamine. Examples include cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, loratadine combined with pseudoephedrine.

Decongestants of the upper respiratory tract in the form of nasal drops and sprays relieve nasal congestion and sinuses if used only for a short time. Unfortunately, the repeated use of these drugs for more than three consecutive days can result in a cycle in which the congestion returns or worsens. These measures include oxymetazoline and tetrahydrozoline.

See also: The first symptoms of a respiratory infection that must not be ignored

Allergy medications – corticosteroids

Other medications for allergies are corticosteroids, which alleviate the symptoms of allergy by inhibiting the inflammation associated with it.

Corticosteroids are available in even more forms. In the form of aerosols, corticosteroids prevent and relieve the feeling of shortness of breath, sneezing and runny nose. Side effects can include bad taste, nose irritation, and nosebleeds. Such drugs include:

1. Budezons;
2. Fluticasone Furoate;
3. Fluticasone Propionate;
4. Mometazon;
5. Triamcynolon.

Beclometasone and ciclesonide are recommended for people who have problems with the feeling of fluid running down the throat or are bothered by the unpleasant taste of these sprays.

Corticosteroids are also inhaled to treat asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects of their use include irritation of the mouth and throat and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators. Prescription inhalers include:

1. beklometrazone;
2. Budezons;
3. Cyklezonid;
4. Fluticasone;
5. Mometazon.

Eye drops are another form of corticosteroids used as allergy medications. They are intended to relieve persistent itching, redness or watery eyes when other measures do not bring the desired result. It is important that the use of such eye drops is under the supervision of an ophthalmologist as there is a risk of problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and infection. These drugs include fluorometholone, loteprednol, and prednisolone.

Corticosteroids can also be used by mouth to treat severe symptoms caused by all types of allergic reactions. However, it should be borne in mind that their long-term use can cause cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, high blood sugar (glucose) and delayed growth in children. Oral corticosteroids can also worsen high blood pressure. Oral corticosteroids are prednisolone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone.

In addition, corticosteroids are used in the form of creams and ointments as medications for allergies. They soothe allergic skin reactions such as itching, redness or peeling. Before You Use Some mild corticosteroid creams are available over the counter, but talk to your doctor before using these medications for more than a few weeks. As with all medications, corticosteroid creams can cause side effects such as discoloration and skin irritation. Long-term use, especially of stronger prescription corticosteroids, can cause skin thinning and abnormal hormone levels. Examples of these measures are:

1. Betametazon;
2. Dezons;
3. Hydrocortisone;
4. Mometazon;
5. Triamcynolon.

Also check: Allergic skin diseases

Allergy medications – mast cell stabilizers

The medications for allergies include: mast cell stabilizers. They are designed to block the release of chemicals in the immune system that contribute to allergic reactions. While safe to use these medications, you need to take them for several days to get the full effect. They are usually used when antihistamines are not working or are not well tolerated.

They are used in the form of nasal sprays (cromolyn) or eye drops (cromolyn, lodoxamide, nedocromil).

Allergy medications – anti-leukotriene medications

Another category of medications for allergies are anti-leukotriene medications, or prescription medications. They work by blocking substances that cause allergic symptoms called leukotrienes. Anti-leukotriene medications relieve symptoms of allergies, including nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. One of these medicines, montelukast, is used to treat hay fever. However, it should be added that some people taking anti-leukotriene drugs may develop symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems and suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Also read: Suicides – causes, types and stopping of suicide attempts

Allergy medications – allergen immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a gradual increase in exposure to allergens, especially those that are difficult to avoid, such as pollen, dust mites and molds. The goal is to train the body’s immune system not to respond to these allergens. Immunotherapy can be used when other treatments are not effective or tolerated. It is also helpful in reducing asthma symptoms in some patients.

With allergen immunotherapy, a series of injections may be used, usually one or twice a week. The dose may be increased weekly or every two weeks as tolerated by the patient. Injections at the maximum tolerated dose can then be given every two to four weeks throughout the year. Side effects may include irritation at the injection site and allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion or hives. Rarely, allergic injections can cause anaphylaxis, a sudden life-threatening reaction that causes swelling in the throat, difficulty breathing, and other signs and symptoms.

A special type of immunotherapy called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is also used to treat allergies, which involves placing an allergen-based tablet under the tongue and letting it be absorbed. This form of treatment has been shown to reduce runny nose, congestion, eye irritation and other symptoms associated with hay fever. It also alleviates the symptoms of asthma. Sublingual immunotherapy tablets may contain mites or extracts from pollen of various types of grasses, including ragweed, sweet tome and perennial.

Certain medications for allergies, such as biological drugs target a specific reaction of the immune system and try to prevent it. These medications are given by injection. These include dupilumab to treat allergic skin reactions and omalizumab to treat asthma or urticaria when other medications are not helping. Side effects of biologics can include red, itchy or irritated eyes and irritation at the injection site

See also: Desensitization is an effective method of treating allergies

Allergy Medications – Adrenaline

Injectable epinephrine is also used among allergy medications. They are needed to treat anaphylaxis, a sudden, life-threatening reaction. The agent is administered using a self-injection syringe and a needle device. Anyone at risk of developing a severe allergic reaction to a specific food (e.g. peanut), bee or wasp venom should always have two auto-injectors with them. Sick people are informed about the use of automatic adrenaline injectors. Examples of these drugs include Epi-pen and EpiPen Jr.

Also check: Bee venom – allergy, drug, diagnosis, allergy

Medicines for allergies and alternative methods

Not only the above-mentioned medications can alleviate allergy symptoms, but other methods, such as cold compresses, can also be used to reduce eye swelling and sinus pain. It is also possible to combine the use of allergy medications with other methods.

1. Rinsing the nose – its purpose is to flush allergens and mucus out of the nose, which may make breathing easier. Rinsing involves pouring a saline solution into the nostrils using a pear syringe. Moreover, the use of saline nasal sprays may cause less irritation than the use of medicaments in the aerosol. A 2018 Cochrane review looked at data from 747 people who had used saline nasal sprays for up to 3 months. Research has shown that the treatment may have positive effects, and there have been no reported undesirable side effects. However, more research is still needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this method.
2. Avoiding triggering foods – Some people may have serious reactions to certain foods such as nuts or ingredients such as gluten. In order to be able to find out what exactly you are allergic to, it is worth keeping your own diary and, of course, consulting with your doctor. Food allergy sufferers should be careful to avoid triggering foods. They should always have the epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) with them if they have a severe allergic reaction.
3. Following an anti-inflammatory diet – In the case of allergies, it may be helpful not only to avoid certain foods or ingredients that trigger allergies, but also to avoid foods that can trigger inflammation, and eat more foods that can reduce inflammation. Foods that can cause inflammation are high in trans fat (found in many baked goods and processed foods), refined sugar and saturated fat. Choosing low-carb colored vegetables is better, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, because their high polyphenol content helps suppress substances that cause inflammation and trigger those that help fight it. And a 2017 study in Nutrition in Clinical Practice recommends focusing on unprocessed, plant-based foods rich in healthy fats and phytonutrients such as antioxidants.

Allergy medications and allergy prevention

In the case of allergies, it is not only important to use the right medications. It is crucial to avoid allergens. Sometimes even a small amount of them can cause an allergic reaction. Such situations may occur, for example, when the dish from which we are eating the dish is not properly washed and there are residues of ingredients to which we are allergic, e.g. the previously mentioned nuts, remain on it. This can happen in a restaurant, so it is worth warning the staff about severe allergies.

It is also wise to clean household surfaces as well as clothing on a regular basis which can help get rid of allergens such as dust, and regular grooming can help stop some pet allergies. On the other hand, people suffering from pollen allergy should close their windows and replace air conditioning filters regularly. What’s more, according to the results of a 2020 study published in the Indoor Air Journal, HEPA filters used in air purifiers can provide relief from airborne allergens and help reduce symptoms of severe asthma in children.