Herbal Medicine
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Herbal Medicine
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allergy Medications: Know Your Options
Allergy treatment usually starts with avoiding the substances
(allergens) that cause your signs and symptoms. If you can minimize
your exposure to allergens — which may include everything from
pollen, mold, pet dander and dust mites to certain foods, drugs and
chemicals — you'll have less sneezing, coughing and itching. But because you can't always avoid everything that triggers your
allergies, your doctor may prescribe allergy medication. The right
medication or combination of medications depends on the allergy
symptoms you have. Allergy medications are available in pill,
liquid, nasal spray, eyedrop and topical (applied to the skin)
forms, some over-the-counter and others by prescription only. To
make the best choice, get advice from your doctor, and find out
which medications are best for different symptoms. The main types of allergy medications are: Corticosteroids Corticosteroids help prevent and treat the inflammation associated with most allergic conditions, although the site and severity of inflammation varies. Except for some over-the-counter skin creams, corticosteroid medications usually are available only by prescription. They include:
Antihistamines block the action of histamine, an inflammatory
chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.
Blocking histamine reduces such symptoms as redness, swelling, runny
nose, itchy, watery eyes, and hives (urticaria). Prescription and
over-the-counter antihistamines include:
Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by hay
fever, as well as eye congestion caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
Usually available over-the-counter, they include: Leukotriene modifiers These drugs block the effects of leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Such medications have proved most effective in treating allergic asthma, but they also relieve hay fever. Leukotriene modifiers are only available by prescription. They're produced in pill and chewable tablet form. Examples include montelukast (Singulair), zileuton (Zyflo) and zafirlukast (Accolate). Headache is the most common side effect of montelukast, and nausea or upset stomach is the most common side effect of zileuton. Headache and nausea are sometimes side effects of zafirlukast.
Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamine, the same
inflammatory chemical that antihistamines stop from binding to cells
in the mucous membranes. Mast cell stabilizers may also reduce
inflammation associated with hay fever and allergic conjunctivitis.
They include: If you are taking any other medications or you have a chronic
health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting
any treatment for allergies, to be sure you're not at risk of a drug
interaction or other adverse effect. When allergies trigger asthma If you have the type of asthma triggered by allergies, your doctor may recommend medications such as inhaled corticosteroids, inhaled mast cell stabilizers, bronchodilators and allergy desensitization shots (immunotherapy). Omalizumab (Xolair), an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, may help you if you have severe allergic asthma. Administered by injection every two to four weeks, omalizumab blocks the IgE antibodies that your immune system produces to attack substances that generally cause no harm, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Immunotherapy: An option if medications are ineffective If you have hay fever symptoms that don't improve with medications or if you aren't able to take allergy medications without side effects, your doctor may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy). Over a period of three to five years, you receive regular injections containing allergen extracts. The goal is to desensitize you to specific allergens and decrease or eliminate your need for medications. Immunotherapy may be especially effective if you're allergic to cat dander, dust mites or pollen produced by trees, grass and weeds. In children, immunotherapy may help prevent the development of asthma. Rarely, immunotherapy injections can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Injectable epinephrine: First aid for severe allergic reactions
If you're highly allergic to certain foods, such as peanuts, or
to bee or wasp venom, you may be at risk of anaphylactic shock — a
sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction. To be on the safe side,
your doctor may suggest that you carry an injectable dose of
epinephrine (adrenaline). Epinephrine can help slow the reaction
while you seek emergency medical treatment. You may be able to
administer the drug by yourself, after being taught how to use a
self-injecting syringe and needle. A friend, family member or
medical professional called in response to a severe anaphylactic
reaction also may administer the medication. Allergy medications vary as much as allergies themselves. By understanding how such medications work, you can help your doctor develop a treatment plan that's best for you. Last Modified on Wednesday, December 06, 2000 © 1996
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