Get The Facts On Allergy Medication
Allergy medications are everywhere – oral antihistamines,
nasal antihistamines, decongestants – Maybe it’s
time to get the facts on your allergy medication.
Allergy medication is available over the counter and it
is prescribed widely by doctors all around the world. Pick
up a magazine there’s ads, the television is full
of ads – these products are heavily marketed and
choosing the one that’s going to work is an entirely
different game.
There are four allergy medication categories – nasal
sprays, decongestants, nasal antihistamines, and oral antihistamines.
Let’s have a look at all four categories.
Oral antihistamines are by far the most common allergy
medication prescribed by doctors. The block the histamines
which is the chemical that is responsible for most of your
symptoms. They do not offer permanent relief but as an
allergy medication they do provide relief for itching,
sneezing, hives, and nasal drip. Antihistamines can cause
drowsiness and make it difficult to concentrate. You can
actually be given a DUI if you are driving and taking this
medication. Some of the OTC antihistamines are Benadryl,
Atarax, Dimetapp, Tavist, Chlor-Trimeton, and Claritin.
In fact Benadryl should be in every medicine cabinet.
Nasal antihistamines are newer and available through prescription
and are a good allergy medication for the right situations.
They work for12 hours and are steroid free. It is believed
because of inhalation the dosage absorbed is better. It
cause drowsiness, headache, and post nasal drip.
Oral and nasal decongestants are another allergy medication
choice that is commonly used for those that have runny
noses, sinus issues, post nasal drip, fever, pollen, sneezing,
and itching. They are available in both prescription and
OTC and in pills, drops, sprays, and liquids. However the
ingredient phenylpropanolamine which was found in older
decongestants has been banned. Current decongestants include
Sudafed, Triaminic, Entex, and Ornade. Decongestants can
make you jittery, elevate your blood pressure, and make
sleeping difficult. Sudafed should be in every medicine
cabinet.
The last allergy medication we’ll look at is nasal
sprays. The non-steroid formulas are considered very safe
and work best if you started a few weeks before the allergy
season. Steroid formulas are available through prescription
and are more effective and include Flonase, Nasonex, and
Beclovent. Side effects include cataracts, hypertension,
headache, weight gain, and nasal ulcers.
But wait we’ve had a look at a variety of allergy
medications but there are also several natural remedies
and an allergy medication that contains no harsh chemicals
is likely to make your body much happier.
Besides considering a natural allergy medication you might
also consider giving your body’s immune system a
boost with the right supplement. After all the cause of
allergies is an immune system that is misfiring.
And that means that an allergy medication isn’t
always the solution to the problem. Sure it will reduce
the symptoms but it is doing nothing to actually get to
the bottom of the problem.
Once you get the facts on allergy medication you are in
a much better position to make educated choices that work
for you, your type of allergy, and your person situation.
Choose what’s right for you.
