WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR AN ALLERGY?

Feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of over-the-counter products designed for indoor or outdoor allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or seasonal rhinitis? Depending on your symptoms and personal preferences, there’s a variety of allergy relief products available, including saline solutions, antihistamines, and corticosteroid nasal sprays. These options can effectively alleviate the symptoms of both seasonal allergies (hay fever) and perennial allergies.

Here’s some guidance to assist you in selecting the most suitable product for your specific requirements.

IN WHICH CASE CAN AN ALLERGY BE TREATED?

For those who contend with allergies, it’s crucial to minimize exposure to the specific allergen that triggers your symptoms. To identify these allergens accurately, you can undergo an allergy test conducted by an allergist. Once you understand which allergens provoke your reactions, you can take more targeted steps to avoid them and anticipate potential exposure.

Immunotherapy, also known as desensitization or hyposensitization, is a potential solution, mainly for individuals with severe symptoms who may not find relief from over-the-counter products. This treatment involves the injection of a small amount of allergens under the skin or the use of a sublingual tablet. The goal is to help your body become accustomed to the allergen, thereby preventing any reaction upon repeated exposure or injection.

Immunotherapy is typically recommended for airborne allergens like pollen because avoiding such allergens is often more challenging than steering clear of contact or food allergens.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT TO RELIEVE YOUR ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Saline Solutions

How they operate
These products work by clearing your nasal passages and sinuses, effectively reducing the presence of allergens and triggers that cause symptoms. This is particularly beneficial after outdoor activities during pollen allergy seasons, helping to alleviate nasal congestion.

 

Variety of Options
These allergy relief products come in different formats, including drops, sprays, and nasal irrigation items, catering to individual preferences and comfort.

Effectiveness
Nasal irrigation products, which involve the passage of saltwater from one nostril to the other through the sinuses, are generally more efficient in treating nasal congestion when compared to sprays. Contrary to their initial complexity, nasal irrigation products are relatively straightforward to use. Your pharmacist can provide guidance on their proper use.
Antihistamines

How they operate
Antihistamines function by blocking histamine, a substance naturally produced by the body that triggers common allergy symptoms. They can be used to alleviate pet allergies if taken prior to exposure, making them an excellent choice for occasional allergies.

 

Variety of Options
Antihistamines are accessible in various forms, including tablets, syrups, and eyedrops. Your pharmacist can recommend the most suitable option for your needs.

Useful Insights
There are two generations of antihistamines:

  • First Generation products like diphenhydramine work rapidly but have a shorter duration of action (4 to 6 hours). They are especially effective for alleviating hives, tingling, and itching. However, they may cause drowsiness, which can impact your daytime activities but can be advantageous at night.
  • Second Generation products such as cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, and loratadine provide longer-lasting relief (12 to 24 hours) and generally cause minimal drowsiness.

Both first and second-generation products deliver similar effectiveness. Each antihistamine possesses unique properties to address specific allergy symptoms.
Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays

How they function
Corticosteroid nasal sprays work through various mechanisms, including reducing inflammation, minimizing sneezing, and alleviating congestion. They typically start to show effects within a few hours, but it may take several days before their full effectiveness is realized.

 

Variety of Options
Available in the form of sprays.

Useful Insights
To optimize the effectiveness of corticosteroid nasal sprays and minimize the risk of side effects, it’s essential to carefully follow the provided usage instructions. Your pharmacist can provide guidance on their proper use.

Important Note
In Canada, specific corticosteroid nasal sprays can be obtained over the counter or behind the counter, while others necessitate a prescription. In certain provinces, pharmacists are authorized to prescribe these products under particular circumstances. Consult with your pharmacy staff for details.
Decongestants

Functionality
Decongestant nasal sprays offer temporary relief from nasal congestion.

 

Available Formats
Decongestants can also be found in tablet form, commonly included in all-in-one allergy products and specific “cold and sinus” preparations. However, prolonged use of oral decongestants is not advisable due to the potential for side effects.

Important Reminder
To prevent an elevated risk of side effects like rebound congestion (congestion resulting from overuse of decongestant nasal spray), it’s crucial to adhere to the recommended frequency and duration of use.

Notably, individuals with high blood pressure should avoid decongestants, as they can elevate blood pressure levels. Instead, saline solutions are recommended for them.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT

To prevent allergic reactions, the most effective approach is to steer clear of allergens that trigger your symptoms. Some allergens, like food, latex, or medications, can be avoided with straightforward measures. However, in the case of other allergens, such as pollen, it’s challenging to completely evade exposure, although you can take steps to minimize it.

If you have allergies, make sure to communicate this information to all your healthcare providers. In certain situations, they may need to implement specific precautions to prevent allergen exposure.

CAN ALLERGIES BE TREATED EFFECTIVELY?

Here are some handy tips to help you select the right product for your specific needs:

  • Keeping saline solution at home is a smart move. It can come in handy for various situations, from tackling allergic rhinitis to dealing with colds, sinusitis, or even cleaning wounds.
  • If you’re dealing with occasional allergy symptoms, consider a fast-acting antihistamine in tablet form. Take it before potential exposure to allergens, like before visiting a friend with a cat.
  • Before opting for an all-in-one allergy product, double-check the active ingredients to avoid overlap with other medications you’re taking. If you’re using a decongestant spray, steer clear of all-in-one allergy products that also contain decongestants, or stop using the spray.
  • Avoid using “cold and sinus” all-in-one products to manage allergies. These products might contain ingredients that are ineffective against allergy symptoms. While some symptoms may seem similar, their underlying causes differ, as do the treatments required.
  • If you have asthma, make sure to stick to your asthma treatment plan and address allergy symptoms promptly. Allergies, especially when combined with poorly managed asthma, can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
  • If you have a chronic medical condition, consult your pharmacist before using any over-the-counter allergy medication, as some products may not be suitable for your specific condition. Don’t delay treating your allergies, as they can significantly impact your daily life and sleep quality. If you need assistance in choosing the right product, your pharmacist is there to help you.

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