#3 Singulair tablets: These are probably not familiar to most people who suffer with allergies. This medication has been used for many years to treat stubborn intractable asthma when there was a strong allergy component. It has been approved and used successfully to treat seasonal allergies without asthma as well. It is dosed once daily and typically does not involve any sedation. Even though it is by prescription only and can be a higher priced medication it has been a very helpful addition to the regimen in people whose symptoms are more difficult to control. It works in a way to block the effect of leukotrienes which, like histamines, act to drive the reactions in our body in response to allergen exposure.
#4 Systemic steroids: Can have a profound effect on symptoms but are typically reserved for very severe symptoms that remain unresponsive to the first line treatments. A short course of oral steroid tablets like prednisolone or even a long acting injection of methylprednisolone can be very effective in diminishing symptoms. More aggressive therapy always has greater risks of side effects thus should remain an option for intractable cases.
#5 OTC meds: Other than the previously mentioned antihistamines that have a very good record of benefit supported by credible research, there are not a lot of other options. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray is useful for some as a preventive application but is not very effective for most people. Liberal use of plain saline nasal spray is an inexpensive adjunct to the other therapies. It can provide some comfort from dryness while aiding in control of congestion. It is safe and very inexpensive.
Don’t be discouraged by allergy symptoms. Consult your health care provider today to find a regimen tailored to meet your personal needs. Relief is very accessible.
Article comments
1 - Mark Buckingham
Strangely, my allergies have been quite dormant so far this year, and over the past few years. Claritin-D 24hr is my weapon of choice when they do act up, though.
2 - Andi
I didn't have allergies up until a few years ago and even when they first started they weren't all that bad. This year, on the other hand, they have been out of control! I felt like I'd been sick for about a month until I started taking Claritin everyday. Now that I've been taking it, I not only feel so much better during the day, but I can sleep at night, not waking up unable to breath because of congestion. So yes, I think it's safe to say that I HIGHLY recommend Claritin to anyone suffering from allergies!
3 - Dorthy
I recently just started having very bad "natural" allergies. It was really wrecking my life enjoying the summer outdoors. SO I started taking different allergy medications but I seem to have very bad side affects from them all. I came across a article on "kiwi drug" about Flonase over the counter and I was wondering if anyone else has read of this too?