Allergy Treatments and Medications

Allergies are one of the most common conditions in the world, affecting nearly one-third of U.S. adults. In simple terms, allergies are the body’s overreaction to a substance (an allergen). Some of the most common allergens are certain foods, animal hair (dander), pollen from plants like ragweed, and dust mites. Depending on the allergen, people with allergies usually experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, rashes or hives, or a runny nose. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available. Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription allergy medicine may help relieve symptoms and reduce allergen sensitivity.

How are allergies diagnosed?

For an evaluation and diagnosis, you can visit your primary care provider, who may refer you to an allergist or immunologist for testing.

Once your allergist or immunologist thoroughly understands your medical history and symptoms, they may order some tests. Many allergies can be diagnosed through simple skin or blood tests. However, these should be performed under the care of a specialist, as there is a risk that allergy symptoms may occur during the test.

These tests by themselves can't confirm whether you have allergies or not. Combining these test results and your medical history will help your healthcare provider form a diagnosis.

Allergy skin tests

Skin tests are generally more affordable than allergy blood tests. Plus, they give results quickly, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. Other medicines can sometimes affect skin tests, so tell your healthcare provider about any medication you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

An allergy skin test is usually performed on the forearm, upper arm, or back. The healthcare provider will prick a small amount of the suspected allergen into the skin, and they may test several allergens simultaneously.

If you are allergic to one of the allergens, your skin will show signs of redness and swelling at the test spot.

Another skin test your healthcare provider may perform is to inject small amounts of a suspected allergen into the skin, rather than a drop on the surface, and monitor for any reaction. Allergic reactions will often appear within 20 minutes but can sometimes be delayed for a few hours. If this is the case, you must report the delayed reaction to your healthcare provider.

Skin testing is an effective, efficient, and usually pain-free way to find out if you have any allergies. In one appointment, you can meet with your allergist, test suspected allergens, get your results, and determine the best allergy treatment for you.

Allergy blood tests

There are several reasons why an allergist or immunologist may use blood tests rather than skin tests for your suspected allergies.

• You’re taking medications that will interfere with a skin test

• You have a preexisting skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis

• The allergen being tested could result in a large, severe positive reaction

Unlike skin tests, you will need to wait a few days for the lab results of your blood tests.

Both skin and blood tests are helpful and effective for testing allergies to some medicines, mold, food, pollen, insect stings, dust mites, and animal dander.

Allergy treatment options

After you’ve been diagnosed with an allergy, your healthcare provider will suggest the most appropriate treatment plan. Although allergies cannot be cured entirely, allergic reactions can be treated and prevented in several ways. Your sensitivity can also be significantly reduced, depending on your specific allergy.

These are the three common ways to treat and avoid allergic reactions. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of all three:

1. Avoid allergens

Although not always easy or practical, one of the most effective ways to manage allergies is to avoid exposure to the allergen. For example, if you have food allergies, you may become more careful about what you eat. If you have hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), it may be best to shut the windows and stay indoors and away from grass when the pollen count is high. Allergy season could last nearly all year, depending on where you live.

2. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also known as desensitization, is a treatment option that may be recommended in people with severe and persistent allergies. People who try immunotherapy have usually tried other treatment options without adequate relief. Under the supervision of a healthcare provider, patients are given small doses of the allergen in an injection form to help their bodies get used to it over time. If you experience severe allergy symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about using allergy shots. 

3. Medication

You can purchase the appropriate medication over the counter at your local pharmacy for many mild allergies. For more severe allergies, your healthcare provider may provide you with prescription medication. The most common types of allergy medications include:

• Antihistamines

• Decongestants

• Steroids

Types of allergy medication

Several medications are available to help with allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription. They fall into a few groups, each working slightly differently to treat allergies. This allergy medications list includes antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, and steroids. 

Steroids

Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, can reduce inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis. They can help reduce sneezing, an itchy and runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Nasal steroids in particular, when used daily, are extremely effective in treating allergies. Nasal steroids, including Qnasl (beclomethasone) and Nasonex (mometasone), are prescription allergy medicines. There are also over-the-counter options, including Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide), Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone), and Nasacort Allergy 24hr (triamcinolone). Dymista (azelastine/fluticasone) is a prescription nasal spray that combines a nasal antihistamine and a nasal steroid. 

The most common side effects of nasal steroids for allergies include nasal dryness and nosebleeds. Serious side effects are more commonly associated with longer-term use of oral steroids like prednisone. 

Antihistamines

Oral antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. So how do they work? When people experience an allergic reaction, their immune system is triggered by an allergen (pollen, for example). This means that the immune system begins releasing chemicals called histamines. Histamines bind to specific receptors in the body, leading to uncomfortable allergy symptoms like itching and swelling.

As the name suggests, antihistamines block histamines' effects, preventing them from causing irritation and other symptoms of an allergic response.

The main side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness, which is more common in older antihistamines like diphenhydramine. However, there are some newer antihistamines available that are less sedating. It’s best to avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, as it can worsen drowsiness.

Popular over-the-counter antihistamine brand names include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), and Xyzal (levocetirizine). There are also OTC and prescription nasal antihistamines, such as azelastine nasal spray. 

RELATED: Allegra vs. Zyrtec: Main differences and similarities

Decongestants

Some of the most common allergy symptoms are nasal congestion and puffy eyes. This is because allergens can cause the tissues and blood vessels in your nose and sinuses to swell. A decongestant reduces the swelling of this tissue, which helps relieve the symptoms.

Decongestants are available as tablets, eye drops, nasal allergy sprays, and oral liquids. However, nasal spray decongestants should only be taken for a few days at a time, as prolonged use can actually cause symptoms to worsen.

Some of the most popular over-the-counter decongestants are:

• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

• Afrin (oxymetazoline)

• Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine)

Potential side effects of decongestants include increased blood pressure and insomnia. Decongestants can also sometimes cause headaches, dizziness, and an increased or irregular heartbeat.

Combination drugs

These medicines combine both antihistamines and decongestants to treat multiple symptoms at once. 

Well-known over-the-counter combination allergy medicines include Claritin-D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine), Allegra-D (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine), and Zyrtec-D (cetirizine and pseudoephedrine).

As with most medications and treatments, the best allergy medicine for one person may not be the right option for someone else. The right medication for you will be determined by your healthcare provider, taking into consideration your medical condition and medical history. Your healthcare provider will also consider any other medications you may be taking, as there is the possibility they could interact with some allergy medications. Your healthcare provider will also be able to monitor your progress and response to treatment and make any changes accordingly.

Save big on your prescriptions

with the free SingleCare app.

4.8 average rating

Text a link to get the app

Send

Best medication for allergies