Second-generation medications have improved dosing schedules and are less commonly associated with sedation. There are five second-generation antihistamines. Two are available over-the-counter. Multiple studies have demonstrated that cetirizine (Zyrtec) is the most potent over-the-counter second-generation antihistamine. Cetirizine and loratadine are the two over-the-counter second-generation antihistamines.

Oral antihistamines are often used as first-line options in the management of allergic rhinitis due to their ease of use. Other over-the-counter medications

Nasal Cromolyn

Cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom) is an over-the-counter medication used in the management of allergic rhinitis. It requires frequent dosing and is given one puff per nostril every 4-6 hours. It is not as useful for immediate relief and it may take a week before benefit is realized. It is not as potent as nasal corticosteroids. Nasal Saline

Nasal saline is a frequently overlooked option for allergies. It removes factors that cause allergies and improves mucus clearance. Everyone who has allergies should use nasal saline. Two primary types of nasal saline are normal saline and hypertonic saline. Hypertonic saline has a higher concentration of salt in it. It is hyped to be more effective at drying the nose than normal saline. It also is more likely to cause a burning and stinging sensation when used.

Eye Symptoms

When allergies affect the eyes, there are two ways to manage them. Take an oral antihistamine (all of which have systemic effects). Second, you may use eye drops to deliver the medication directly in the eyes.

Some people are able to use drops used for dry eyes to effectively manage their eye symptoms. These drops can help flush away allergens, but do not have any medication that directly treats allergies.

Many people with severe eye symptoms need medicated eye drops. Many products are a combination of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers and effectively treats red, watery and itchy eyes (see table at the end of the chapter). For eyes that are inflamed and painful prescription anti-inflammatory drops may be helpful.

Prescriptions medications

When a trail of environmental control and over-the-counter medications fail to adequately control allergies then a visit to the doctor is necessary. The doctor will likely recommend some other medications or refer you on for allergy testing.

 To purchase products discussed in this chapter visit The Drug Store.

When you come down with the hallmark symptoms of allergies – sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion – what should you do?

1. The first thing to do is take an inventory of your symptoms. This is best accomplished by maintaining an allergy log (see end of chapter) With the use of this allergy log you can determine when your allergies are worst, which symptoms are most bothersome, what is aggravating them and how effective your treatments are at controlling the symptoms.
2. Attempt to eliminate any factors that may be making the allergies worse.
3. If this does not work, a trail of some over-the-counter medication is appropriate. The most popular and potent over-the-counter medication is cetirizine (Zyrtec). If you are plagued by congestion, the addition of decongestants may be helpful. Use caution with the decongestant part if you are affected by high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, heart rhythm problem, diabetes, prostate enlargement or glaucoma.
4. If symptom control is unsuccessful with over-the-counter medications, set up an appointment with your health care provider.
5. Continue to work on environmental control and track your symptoms.
6. If after a two or three appointments with your primary doctor your symptoms are not controlled than seeing an allergy specialist is recommended.

Natural Solution to Allergies

Another option to help treat and prevent allergies is to take the natural route. Allergy Free for Life is a product that can help you banish allergies naturally. Check out this link to find ways to treat allergies without the use of medications.

It is critical to clean the enviroment with a HEPA filter - if you do not do this step your allergies will never be controlled.


 


What the doctor will do?

If environmental control and over-the-counter medications have not provided adequate relief than the health care provider may prescribe some of the other medications discussed above.