Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : May 30, 2014 6:18 PM IST
Allergies occur when your immune system produces high levels of antibodies against certain harmless substances that it identifies as threats. Such substances are called allergens. Common allergens include pollen, dust, food proteins, drugs and mold spores.
Allergies are manageable and can be easily prevented by avoiding direct contact with the allergen. But most people cannot identify what they are allergic to and continue to come in direct contact with the allergen. Also, allergens like dust cannot be completely avoided, making the sufferer prone to recurring episodes of allergic reactions. And recurring allergic reaction can lead to dangerous complications and can even be life-threatening. Therefore, people suffering from allergies need medication for managing the symptoms and preventing complications due to allergies.
Are all types of allergies treated with same medicines?
Allergies cannot be cured. Medicines given for allergies help to reduce the symptoms and the effect of substances released during an allergic reaction on the surrounding tissues. There are different groups of medications given for allergic reactions depending on the allergen triggering the reaction.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of allergies.
What are the common groups of medication for allergies?
Antihistamines: These are the most common class of medicines that relieve the symptoms of allergies. They work by blocking the action of substances or molecules called histamines that are released by your system when it detects an allergen. These histamines are the actual culprits of allergic symptoms like sneezing, hives, itching and swelling. They are an active ingredient in nasal sprays, eye drops, skin gels and creams. Examples of antihistamines include desloratadine and fexofenadine.
Decongestants: Decongestants are another class of medicines that may be given to relieve symptoms like nasal congestion often caused by dust allergy or pet allergy. They are used in nasal sprays, oral tablets and eye drops. Examples of decongestants include oxymetazoline and tetrahydrozoline.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are also used for clearing nasal congestion. They specifically act on the linings of the nasal passage and airways. They are used in nasal sprays, eye drops, creams and also in oral pills. Examples of corticosteroids include prednisone, hydrocortisone and fluorometholone.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Leukotriene receptor antagonists are used for relieving swelling in allergic asthma due to their anti-inflammatory effect.
When should a person take OTC medicines for allergies? How safe are they?
For symptoms like nasal congestion, you can use an over the counter nasal spray like phenylephrine for immediate relief. For symptoms like swelling and itchy or watery eyes, oral antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine are available. But they are safe only when used appropriately. All anti-allergy drugs are associated with immediate as well as long-term side-effects.
Side effects of decongestants: Nasal sprays can cause excessive dryness in the nasal passage and further irritate the linings. Oral decongestants can cause palpitations, nausea, hypertension and sleep disorders.
Side effects of antihistamines: Oral antihistamines can cause dryness in the mouth and feeling of drowsiness. Nasal sprays that contain antihistamines may cause dizziness, headache, burning sensation in the nasal passage, sore throat, nosebleed and sneezing. Eye drops can cause a stinging or burning sensation and headache.
Side effects of corticosteroids: Nasal sprays containing steroids can cause nosebleed and irritation. Eye drops can cause cataracts, glaucoma and eye infections. Prolonged use may even cause blurred vision. Skin creams that contain steroids may cause itching and burning sensation. Oral corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis, muscle weakness and ulcers in the stomach with prolonged use.
What precautions a person using an allergy medication should take?
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