Do you also have frequent sneezing fits at times? Does your nose feel stuffy and blocked? Do your eyes become red, watery, and constantly itch? These can often be symptoms of a condition we call 'allergies'. This problem occurs in many people, especially during the flowering season, when things like dust and pollen are in high demand in the environment. For some, this can be so severe that it becomes difficult to even do daily tasks. But don't worry, there are many things we can do to control this condition.
A mistake many people make is to wait until their allergy symptoms are really bad before starting to take medication. But what you really need to do is start taking the medication your doctor prescribed a week or two before you feel your allergy symptoms are getting worse. That way, you can stay comfortable throughout the entire period without your allergy getting worse.
The main types of medications for controlling allergies
There are many different types of medications available to control allergies. But remember, what works for your friend may not work for you. So it's always best to talk to your doctor to determine which medication is best for your condition.
Let's simply understand these types of medicines from the table below.
| Drug Type | How does it work? | Some examples | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antihistamines | Controls symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose and eyes. | Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Desloratadine (Clarinex), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) | Some types can make you drowsy, so ask your doctor about which one is right for you. |
| Decongestants | It reduces nasal congestion and makes breathing easier by reducing swelling of the membranes inside the nose. | Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Triprolidine/pseudoephedrine (Actived) | Although these may provide quick relief, do not continue using them for more than 3 days. Doing so can cause a "rebound effect" and worsen nasal congestion. |
| Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays | A great solution for stuffy and runny nose. Controls allergic reactions in the nose. | Fluticasone (Flonase), Mometasone (Nasonex), Triamcinolone (Nasacort) | It can take a few days or weeks to see full results from these, so be patient. |
| Eyedrops | Symptoms such as itchy, red, and watery eyes are quickly controlled. | Ketotifen (Zaditor), Alcaftadine (Lastacaft), Azelastine (Optivar) | Relief occurs within a short period of time, about 15-20 minutes. Some people may experience eye irritation or headaches. |
What if medication alone isn't enough? - Allergy Shots
If you have difficulty controlling your allergies even with medication, the next thing you might consider is allergy shots . In medical terms, this is called ``Immunotherapy.''
Think of it like an allergy vaccine. You're given a tiny amount of something, like pollen, that you're allergic to, over a period of months or years. Gradually, your body gets used to it and stops reacting to it.
But this is not a quick fix. It can take 6 months to a year to see reliable results . Usually, you have to continue this treatment for about 3-5 years. After that, your allergy may be cured permanently.
Home remedies and other treatments
Nasal irrigation with salt water
This is a really simple thing that can help a lot with a stuffy nose. It involves flushing your nostrils with saline solution, which you can buy at the pharmacy, or a homemade saltwater solution, using a neti pot or syringe.
To make the mixture at home: In a cup of well-boiled water, add 3 teaspoons of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda and stir well. Be sure to use clean, boiled water.
Acupuncture
Some studies have shown that acupuncture can help relieve allergy symptoms . But not all studies have proven it. If you're trying this, experts say it's best to start treatment about two months before the allergy season starts.
Traditional herb
Some people use local herbs like kohomba and venivelgata for allergies. However, since their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven and they may cause side effects, it is not a good idea to use them without medical advice.
How do you know exactly what you are allergic to?
If you want to know exactly whether you are allergic to dust, pollen, or something else, you can take an allergy test .
- Skin Test: Here, the doctor puts a drop of the substance you are allergic to on the skin of your hand and pricks the surface with a small needle. If the area turns red and swollen within a few minutes, it confirms that you are allergic to that substance.
- Blood Test: A sample of your blood can be taken and the antibodies in it can be tested to determine what the allergy is.
No matter what you're allergic to, it's best to prevent the disease before it develops. So, stay indoors as much as possible, away from dust and pollen. Take a good shower and wash your body after you go out. You'll see a big difference with simple things like these.
Take-Home Message
- Start treatment one to two weeks before your allergy season starts. That way, you can control the disease before it gets worse.
- Always talk to your doctor to find out which medication is best for you.
- Do not use decongestant sprays for more than 3 days.
- If you have difficulty controlling your symptoms with medication alone, discuss long-term treatments, such as allergy shots, with your doctor.
- Simple things like bathing after coming back from the outdoors and rinsing your nose with salt water can greatly reduce allergy symptoms.
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