A common and relatively easy strategy is taking medicine, either over the counter or prescription. The most common weapons in the pharmacological arsenal are decongestants, antihistamines — inhaled or oral, nasal sprays and inhaled corticosteroids. Sometimes a medicine will become less effective over time, so some allergists recommend switching brands if your weapon of choice is no longer doing the trick.
Over-the-counter decongestants taken long term aren’t a good idea for adults or children, especially anyone with glaucoma, heart disease or hypertension, agree most physicians, because of side effects and a potential for a rebound effect.
Beyond the counter
When OTC meds don’t cut it, keep in mind that there are often more effective, and less drowsy-causing, prescription meds like leukotriene modifiers, eye drops — antihistamine or corticosteroid-based — and new intranasal antihistamines like Astelin. Whatever you take, don’t wait too long; start taking it before the symptoms get really bad.
Seeing an allergist if symptoms are unpleasant is not a bad idea. These pros can do sensitive skin tests — pricking the skin on your back or arm with tiny bits of allergens — that will tell you exactly what you’re allergic to and how to combat it.
Even better, they can provide immunotherapy, regular injections that slowly introduce allergens, teaching your immune system to tolerate them, with an easing of symptoms and an eventual goal of being allergy-free, with no need for medicine of any kind. European doctors are doing this with under-the-tongue drops, which is great for the fearful of needles, but here we don’t yet have FDA approval for that.
There are many non-medical ways to fight allergies as well. Precautions like timing outdoor activities, from exercise to gardening, for early or late day instead of high noon, helps reduce pollen exposure. Usually, the windier the day, the peskier the pollen. Rain dampens it but as things dry up, it re-appears and in force. A disposable paper mask may be helpful during necessary outdoor chores.
