You At Your Best

By Sarah haNey NWa Democrat-Gazette Now that spring is upon us, so are those pesky seasonal visitors — allergies. Whether it is the itchy, watery eyes symptoms associated with hay fever or the sneezing and runny nose common with mold allergies, there are many treatment options available. In general, there is no cure for allergies, but there are several types of medications available — both over-the-counter and prescription — to help ease and treat annoying symptoms like congestion and runny nose. These allergy drugs include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and others. Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or pills under the tongue, which gradually increase your ability to tolerate allergens, are also available. Antihistamines Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms. They can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can relieve red itchy eyes, while nasal sprays can be used to treat the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies. When you are exposed to an allergen, it triggers your immune system. People with allergies demonstrate an exaggerated immune response. Immune system cells known as "mast cells" release a substance called histamine, which attaches to receptors in blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine and keeping it from binding to receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms. Many older over-the-counter antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Newer, non-sedating second- and third-generation antihistamines are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Decongestants Decongestants relieve congestion and are often prescribed along with antihistamines for allergies. They can come in nasal spray, eye drop, liquid, or pill form. Nasal spray and eye drop decongestants should be used for only a few days at a time, because long-term use can actually make symptoms worse. Pills and liquid decongestants may be taken longer safely. During an allergic reaction, tissues in your nose may swell in response to contact with the allergen. That swelling produces fl uid and mucous. Blood vessels in the eyes can also swell, causing redness. Decongestants work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and blood vessels, relieving the symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion, mucus secretion, and redness. Decongestants may raise blood pressure, so they typically are not recommended for people who have blood pressure problems or glaucoma. They may also cause insomnia or irritability and restrict urinary fl ow. Combination Allergy Drugs Some allergy drugs contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant to relieve multiple allergy symptoms. Other drugs have multiple effects aside from just blocking the effects of histamine, such as preventing mast cells from releasing other allergy-inducing chemicals. Steroids Steroids, known medically as corticosteroids, can reduce infl ammation associated with allergies. They prevent and treat nasal stuffi ness, runny nose due to seasonal allergies. They can also and swelling from other reactions. Systemic steroids forms: as pills or liquids or asthma, locally acting locally acting nasal sprays or year-round allergies, for skin allergies, or topical allergic conjunctivitis. medications, your physician prescribe additional types help combat your allergic Steroids are highly allergies, but they must often daily, to be of benefi aren't feeling allergy it may take one to two effect of the medicine Steroids have many especially when given for a long period of time. Side effects of systemic short-term use include retention, and high blood systemic steroid side use include growth suppression, cataracts of the eyes, osteoporosis, and muscle effects of inhaled steroids hoarseness, or fungal treatments for 10 | YoU AT YoUR beST | nwADg.coM/YoUATYoURbeST ApRil - TAckling AlleRgieS | SATURDAY, MARch 31, 2018

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