Nearly a month into spring and as plants start to bloom and we edge towards summer, many Americans are struggling with the return of their seasonal allergies and the high pollen count.
Around 8 percent of adults in the US suffer from hay fever, and when pollen season gets going in early spring, a number of common allergy triggers grow more prominent, particularly tree pollen and grass pollen. Allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever , is accompanied by various uncomfortable hay fever symptoms, including:
Fortunately, the majority of seasonal allergic rhinitis cases won’t require a trip to the doctor, as there are ample over-the-counter medications available to treat hay fever and allergy symptoms, whether you are affected by itchy eyes or a sore throat. Some of the most popular of these are antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids. You don’t need a prescription to purchase many varieties of these, but a pharmacist can assist you when it comes to selecting the right one. For the best advice on seasonal allergy medication from your pharmacist, inform them of any allergies you have and any medication or supplements you are currently taking.
To help you manage your allergy symptoms, here’s some information on three of the most common over-the-counter remedies used to treat seasonal allergies…
1. Antihistamines
The go-to treatment for most allergy sufferers! Histamines are a natural substance released by the body when it has an allergic reaction and these are countered by antihistamines. These medications alleviate a number of uncomfortable allergy symptoms such as a runny nose or itchy eyes and often have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Antihistamines come in two forms:
The second generation variety is more commonly used by allergy sufferers, in part because they are less likely to result in certain side effects, such as drowsiness. Popular examples of second generation antihistamines include Zyrtec , Claritin , and Benadryl , and all are available in their cheaper generic forms cetirizine, loratadine, and diphenhydramine.
2. Eye drops
Allergy eye drops are liquids used to treat the irritating symptoms of eye allergies. There are many varieties of allergy eye drops and the kind you use will depend on your symptoms, the cause of your allergy and the extent to which your allergies affect your day-to-day life. Symptoms of an eye allergy include: itchy eyes; watery, teary eyes; red, bloodshot eyes; and a burning sensation or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
There are a number of types eye drops used to treat hay fever:
- Mast cell stabilizer eye drops: These work by preventing the release of histamines during an allergic reaction and may be a good option if you normally wear contact lenses. Common brands of over-the-counter mast cell stabilizers include Claritin Eye and Refresh Eye Itch Relief
- Artificial tears: If you have dry, irritated eyes, you may find artificial tears an effective treatment. They help to lubricate the eye and can help to wash away allergens that are causing irritation.
- Antihistamine eye drops: Histamines are released by the body in response to foreign invaders and it is these histamines that produce allergy symptoms. Antihistamine eye drops can help reduce the response and ease allergy symptoms.
- Decongestant eye drops: These help to shrink the blood vessels in the eye and may be helpful if you get red eyes as a result of allergies.
- Anti-inflammatory allergy eye drops: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops are typically stronger than antihistamines, are generally only used in severe allergy cases and will need to be prescribed by a physician or eye doctor.
Speaking to your pharmacist or physician will help you understand which eye drops are likely to be most effective for managing your allergy symptoms.
3. Decongestants
Decongestants can be a great help if allergies leave you struggling with a stuffy nose and blocked sinuses. Even non-prescription decongestants can be an effective remedy for nasal symptoms and relieve painful pressure in the head and sinuses. Decongestants narrow the blood vessels responsible for causing nasal congestion, making it easier to breath and easing the discomfort caused by congestion.
Some of the most popular over-the-counter decongestants of alleviating a stuffy nose are Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Afrin (oxymetazoline). Decongestants are available in a number of different forms, including oral capsules, tablets, and decongestant nasal sprays.
4. Topical nasal corticosteroids
A stuffed up or runny nose are very common symptoms experienced by people with seasonal allergies, often making it difficult to breathe. Topical nasal corticosteroid sprays, for example, Nasacort (triamcinolone), work to relieve symptoms of hay fever, such as congestion, itchy red eyes and sneezing by reducing inflammation in the nose and can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
More powerful varieties of this medication are available on prescription, but it might be worth trying an over-the-counter option such as Flovent Hfa (fluticasone propionate) or Flonase (fluticasone) before an expensive trip to the doctor.
Still struggling with hay fever and allergy symptoms?
Over-the-counter medication is a useful addition to your medication cupboard and to counter the symptoms of experienced by many during pollen season. It may also save you money on your overall medical bills, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor and expensive prescription medication or allergy shots.
If you are one of the millions of Americans struggling with seasonal allergies, talk to your pharmacist to find out which non-prescription medication will best ease your symptoms. When allergy symptoms are particularly severe your may need to speak to a physician about prescription medications or to schedule a blood test or skin test to measure the body’s reaction to allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, and certain foodstuffs.
And remember, you can still use ModRN Health to save on your prescriptions Simply ask your pharmacist to use your ModRN Health card or voucher details when you fill your prescription or purchase medication!
