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Therapies
The basic therapies we have described below provide information for you to research treatments, and help you identify a possible remedy for your condition. It is important to see your doctor and discuss a treatment that will work best for you.
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Antihistamine
There are both sedating and non sedating antihistamines. Non-sedating antihistamines include Claratin, Allegra and Zyrtec. Non-sedating antihistamines primarily given to eliminate the risk for persons in the positions of operating heavy machinery and/or automobiles. Sedating antihistamines include Benadryl, Chlortrimiton and Atarax (Hydroxazine). Antihistamines block the release of histamine from mast cells in the allergic reaction. Sedating antihistamines cross the blood brain barrier, while non-sedating antihistamines do not.
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Decongestant
Stops mucous secretion and shrinks thickened membranes. Available in spray form. Pseudoephedrine is taken in pill form. Long term use of nasal decongestant may cause rebound nasal congestion.
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Bronchial Dilators
Inhaled medication that relieves constricted bronchial tubes for asthma rescue. (Example: Albuteral).
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Mast Cell Stabilizers
Chromolyn Sodium (Intal), and Nedocromyl Sodium (Tilade) are available in liquid and powder form. These medications are inhaled to inhibit mast cells from releasing inflammatory mediators. Can be effective to prevent exercise induced and cold air induced bronchial spasm.
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Anti-Inflammatory drugs
Steroids in topical form, ingested in pill form, or inhaled. Puts the allergic fire out.
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Leukotriens Inhibitors
Inhibits late phase allergic inflammation by blocking late phase allergic response. (Examples: Accolate and Singulair).
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Avoidance
If specific environmental inhalant, or food ingestant can be avoided, the condition can be controlled. Simply put, if you are allergic to cats, removal of cat, or if allergic to peanuts, removal of peanuts from diet. If allergies tend to irritate, pay attention to the environment you are in. It may be possible to eliminate symptoms by changing your surroundings or avoidance of particular food product.
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Immunotherapy
IThe administration of purified diluted allergens given in increasing doseages every 3-7 days with buildup to a pre-determined maintenance dose, followed by the administration of injections given every 1 to 4 weeks to control the symptoms by the production of blocking or neutralizing antibodies. May be continued for a period of 3-5 years. Previous medications in various dosages may be used at the same time.
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Topical Eye Medication
There are a variety of topical medications that can suppress and help heal ocular allergic discomfort. Examples may be in the form of topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers and steroid eye drops. Concomitant use of contact lenses with individuals with allergic conjunctivitis should be discouraged because it may aggravate condition.
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Rest & Nutrition
Proper rest and diet as well as vitamin supplementation is vital in staving off and controlling allergic symptoms. If you feel that your diet is deficient in attaining proper nutrition, talk with your doctor to develop a supplementation regimen that will work best for you.
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Over The Counter Medications
There are a variety of over the counter medications that can help to suppress allergic conditions. Because there are so many different medications available, it is important to understand your particular condition and have a proper diagnosis so as to identify the medication that is right for you. Speak with your doctor, and discuss potential over the counter medication that will best work for you.
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