Treating Allergies
An allergic reaction occurs when your body detects a foreign substance that it believes may be harmful to your system. The ‘symptoms’ individuals experience from allergies are actually caused by your body trying to fight off infection and disease that it believes these foreign substances may cause. The more an individual is exposed to the allergen, the less sensitive they become.
Once you have been diagnosed with a particular allergy, there are several different medications that can be used to treat it, depending on the allergy. These treatments come in many different forms including prescription medication, over the counter medication and shots. Some of the most popular medications used to treat allergy are:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most popular form of allergy medication. Antihistamines are generally very good at alleviating the symptoms associated with many different allergies. They usually come in pills, liquid, or nasal sprays. Ask your doctor about which kinds of antihistamines would be right for you. Some of these medications are over the counter, while others are prescriptions.
Antihistamines work because they block histamine receptors. Histamine is a substance that is released when you are suffering from an allergic reaction. Many different allergens cause this release, which is why antihistamines are a great all around medication for individuals looking for relief from their allergy symptoms. Popular antihistamines include Benadryl, Claritin and Zyrtec. Popular prescription antihistamines include Clarinex and Allegra.
Decongestants
Decongestants are not a traditional allergy medication, but they are still great for alleviating the symptoms associated with allergy. Decongestants relieve congestion of both the nasal cavity and chest, and are often prescribed alongside antihistamines. Popular decongestants include Sudafed and Claritin-D.
Steroids
Sometimes doctors prescribe steroids in order to reduce inflammation that is caused by allergy. These steroids prevent nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchiness of the nose, skin, and facial features. They usually come in pill form, or in more serious cases you may be prescribed a steroid that is ingested through an inhaler. Popular steroids that are often prescribed to patients who are experiencing allergic reactions include Flonase, Azmacort, Flovent, Alrex and Deltasone. Unfortunately, steroid medications do cause a few side effects in many patients. These side effects include:
• Weight Gain
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes (With long term use)
• Cataracts (With long term use)
• Weakening Of Muscles (With Long Term Use)
• Osteoporosis (With Long Term Use)
Many doctors refrain from prescribing these medications for long term use because of the severe side effects they have been known to cause. Talk to your doctor about what treatment is right for you.
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