How to Survive Allergy Season

How to Survive Allergy Season
By Alice Daniel, Special to LifeScript
Published May 19, 2009

Ugh, that sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and maddening post-nasal drip, drip, drip. You need allergy relief. But with aisles of products in the drugstore, how do you know which is right for you? We turned to the experts for answers. Plus, test your allergy IQ with our quiz...
Peek into any pharmacy and you'll see hundreds of products containing antihistamines or decongestants. Some combine both – and others throw in a pain reliever as well. Do you need one? Two? All? Here’s what you need to know:
Antihistimines are the first line of allergy defense.
“When you block histamine production in the body, you cut down on the misery-causing symptoms, like sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy throat, runny nose and so forth,” says Suzy Cohen, LifeScript’s pharmacist and author of Drug Muggers and The 24-Hour Pharmacist.
Over-the-Counter Antihistamines Some popular over-the-counter anti-allergy brands include Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton and Tavist.
The first generation of antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton, often make people drowsy or dizzy. But doctors still recommend Benadryl because it acts quickly to quell allergic reactions, Cohen says.
Claritin and Zyrtec are two second-generation antihistamines without drowsy side effects, Cohen says. Try one and if it doesn’t work, check out the other.
The drugs are “most effective when taken before exposure, so they can sit on the histamine receptor of your cell like a pit bull in a doorway,” Cohen says. They prevent allergy triggers (like dander or pollen) from getting on the receptor and sparking all the misery.
If you have allergic reactions that are episodic, such as a sneezing fit triggered by a friend's cat, take an antihistamine about half an hour before heading over to her house.
“Claritin really helps with cat allergies," says Judy Kinzy, M.D., an internist in Knoxville, Tenn. "I take it a half-hour before I visit friends with cats and I’m fine.”
DecongestantsYou know that cotton-stuffed head feeling you get when allergies kick in? Blame that on allergens too: They can cause the tissues in your nose to swell and produce more fluid and mucus.
To reduce the swelling and the pressure, try a decongestant, such as Mucinex and Sudafed.
But beware: Allergies can sometimes weaken the immune system. If what’s coming out of your nose turns yellow or green, you might have a secondary infection and you'll need to see a doctor for antibiotics, Kinzy says.
Combination MedicinesCombination medicines, such as Zyrtec-D and Tylenol Allergy and Sinus, contain an antihistamine and a decongestant to relieve multiple symptoms.
These may help if you have a sinus headache or infection, Cohen says. “The antihistamine dries you up and the decongestant opens up airways so you can beat that stuffy nose.”
But combination pills carry more side effects because they have two active ingredients, Cohen says. So be sure you need both.
“If all you have is a stuffy nose, you might only need the decongestant,” she says. “Less is more when it comes to medication.”
Skin Creams and OintmentsAllergies can also irritate the skin and cause rashes, hives, blisters and swelling. Topical creams – Cortaid is a popular brand – can help control the itching, redness and swelling.
“Try a topical steroid creams like hydrocortisone cream – it comes in .50% and 1% strengths,” Cohen says.
Many hydrocortisone creams also contain soothing ingredients such as aloe or vitamin E, which can relieve mild to moderate itching, redness and soreness associated with bug bites, contact dermatitis, diaper rash and poison ivy rashes, she says.
Home RemediesWhat if you want a more natural approach?
Some allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses that irrigate and moisturize your nasal passages.
“Saline rinses may actually be safer than medications because there are no side effects and you don’t have to think about how the rinse will react with other medications you’re taking,” Kinzy says.
Rinses involve a saline solution poured into your nose through a teapot-like device called a neti pot, available at most health-food stores. NeilMed is one popular kit with packets of saline powder and a neti pot.
“If you have a lot of allergies, rinse daily,” she says.
You’ll also find supplements and foods that will naturally fight allergies. Among Cohen’s recommendations:
Quercetin: This strong antihistamine is found in supplements and some foods, including capers, apples, green tea, and many red-skinned fruits and wine. Follow label directions, or take 200 to 500 mg one to three times daily, Cohen says.
Bromelain: It’s found in pineapples and dietary supplements, and is “fantastic for reducing inflammation and allergies.” Mullein tea: “The herb is known to ease respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and allergies. It helps to thin mucus,” Cohen says. You can find it in most health-food stores. Steep it in water for five minutes before drinking, about once or twice a day. Aloe vera juice: Cohen loves this juice, which has a mild antihistamine effect, “plus dozens of other wonderful healing effects on the body. It’s also very affordable.” Her recommendation? “Lily of the Desert brand because it is certified organic and it is ‘whole leaf,’ so it has all the aloe nutrients.” Drink about 2 ounces daily, straight (it’s tasteless) or mix with other brands.
German chamomile: This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and “a wonderful essential oil to use if you have allergies,” she says. Steam your face with hot water containing a few drops of the oil.
Spirulina: The algae sparks the production of your body's natural fighter cells, "such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and anti-cancer 'natural' killer cells,” Cohen says. “If it can regulate immune function, then allergy symptoms should alleviate too.” Prescription MedicationsIf you don’t find relief from over-the-counter drugstore products, see an allergist or your physician.
The first line of prescription defense is a nasal spray. If that’s not enough, your doctor may prescribe a prescription antihistamine, such as Allegra.Steroid Nasal SpraysNasal sprays, such as Rhinocort and Nasonex, help by reducing inflammation and congestion. Although all nasal sprays have the same mechanism, every person reacts differently to each.“Steroids are still steroids,” and they can suppress immune function (like all steroids) and should be reserved for the hardest cases,” Cohen says.
Ask your doctor for recommendations. Nasal antihistamines, such as Astelin and Patonase, may also bring relief. Over-the-counter nasal sprays are good for a quick, temporary fix, Cohen says, so you can get a good night’s sleep.
But they should only be used for three days or less, or you can get addicted to them with a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, a sort of rebound nasal congestion. Then it’s really hard to get off, she says.
Leukotriene ModifiersThe body also produces leukotriene, a chemical that causes inflammation, during an allergic reaction. Products like Singulair block the chemical and are used to treat asthma and nasal allergy symptoms.
Asthma should never be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you have any trouble breathing or you feel like an elephant is standing on your chest, see a doctor immediately.
Steroid inhalers and bronchodilators are typically prescribed for asthma and work only if used properly.
Primatene Mist, an over-the-counter bronchodilator, should not be used to treat asthma, but it is useful for allergic emergencies.
“If someone has a really bad reaction to food or a bee sting," says internist Kinzy, "Primatene can save that person’s life while waiting for an ambulance.”
ImmunotherapyRagweed in the fall, mold in the winter and flowers in the spring and early summer – allergens exist year-round and some unlucky folks find themselves sneezing every season.
If you have severe allergies that aren’t relieved by medications, you may need shots, ultimately the most effective means of treating allergies.
They work like vaccines, teaching your immune system to tolerate the allergens.
The upshot? You don't have to sneeze your way through life. Although feeling better may require a few stabs at different treatments, you will be able to shut down your body’s waterworks.Check out our Allergies Health Center.
What’s Your Allergy IQ? Maybe you suffer from seasonal allergies. Or perhaps the bed bugs really are biting. Do you know what’s making you itch? Find out with this allergy quiz.
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