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sneezing, and itchy, seasonal or year-round also decrease infl ammation other types of allergic are available in various liquids for serious allergies acting inhalers for asthma, sprays for seasonal allergies, topical creams topical eye drops for conjunctivitis. In addition to steroid physician may decide to types of medications to allergic symptoms. highly effective drugs for must be taken regularly, benefi t — even when you symptoms. In addition, two weeks before the full medicine can be felt. many potential side effects, given orally, systemically, and time. systemic steroids with include weight gain, fl uid blood pressure. Potential effects with long-term suppression, diabetes, bone thinning / muscle weakness. Side steroids may include cough, infections of the mouth. Mast Cell Stabilizers Mast cell stabilizers can be used to treat mild to moderate infl ammation in allergy sufferers. Mast cell stabilizers are available as eyedrops for allergic conjunctivitis, and nasal sprays for nasal allergy symptoms. Like with many drugs, it may take several weeks before the full effects are felt. Mast cell stabilizers work by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells (cells that make and store histamine). Some of these drugs also have important anti-infl ammatory effects, but typically they are not as effective as steroids. Throat irritation, coughing or skin rashes sometimes can occur. Mast cell stabilizers in the form of eye drops may cause burning, stinging, or blurred vision when they are administered. Leukotriene Modifi ers Leukotriene modifi ers are used to treat asthma and nasal allergy symptoms. They can be prescribed along with other drugs. These medications are available only with a doctor's prescription and come as pills, chewable tablets, and oral granules. Leukotriene modifi ers block the effects of leukotrienes, chemicals produced in the body in response to an allergic reaction. Side effects of these drugs are rare, but may include stomach pain or stomach upset, heartburn, fever, stuffy nose, cough, rash, headache, and irritability. Other Over-The-Counter allergy treatments Saltwater solution, or saline, is available as a nasal spray to relieve mild congestion, loosen mucus, and prevent crusting. These sprays contain no medicine. Artifi cial tears, which also contain no medicine, are available to treat itchy, watery, and red eyes. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy may be one of the most effective forms of treatment if you suffer from allergies more than three months of the year. Allergy shots expose you to gradually increasing levels of the offending allergen to help your immune system build tolerance. The FDA has approved several under-the- tongue immunotherapy tablets that can be taken at home. The prescription tablets are used for treating hay fever and work the same way as shots — the goal is to boost a patient's tolerance of allergy triggers. Although there isn't a cure for allergies, they can be manageable with any of these treatments. SATURDAY, MARch 31, 2018 | ApRil - TAckling AlleRgieS nwADg.coM/YoUATYoURbeST | YoU AT YoUR beST | 11

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