Allergies medication is a misnomer because the drugs available today do not cure the malady. They just provide temporary relief from the symptoms.If you know the substance you are allergic to, you’d be advised to avoid it altogether. But when it is not possible, and you suffer an attack of this disorder, drugs become necessary.
Commonly used allergies medication is available in the following forms:
Antihistamines
The most common form of this allergy affects the nasal tract. In this case, as a reaction to certain particles, the body over-produces histamine, a neuro-transmitter. This is what causes the redness, the inflammation, and sometimes itchiness of the affected areas.
Antihistamines block the effect of the histamines in the body. So though you continue to be sensitive to the irritating agent, you do not show the symptoms.
However as mentioned earlier histamine is a neuro-transmitter, which means that it helps the nerve cells or neurons to transmit messages. Antihistamines can therefore cause extreme drowsiness and inability to concentrate.
One can also experience anxiety, loss of libido, nausea, fatigue, depression, dry mouth, dizziness, and a loss of appetite.
However, antihistamines continue to be the most common drug in allergies medication.
Decongestants
During many allergies the cells in the nasal passage swell up. These swollen cells also produce mucus, further blocking the passage.
Decongestants reduce the swelling in these tissues. Not only does this cause relief in the nasal cavity but it also reduces the mucus secretion, making it much easier to breathe.
The downside of decongestants is that they too have certain side effects. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself unable to sleep. Also, you might find yourself irritable.
People with high blood pressure or glaucoma should also avoid these decongestants as they can cause a sharp rise in the blood pressure.
Bronchodilators
As the name suggests, these drugs dilate or widen the air passage into the lungs. These are usually prescribed for asthma. They allow the air to move freely into the lungs, helping the person to breathe. They also open the passage wide enough so that the mucus that has collected in the lungs can come out.
These medicines are however pretty strong and potent and need to be used judiciously. Side effects could include a speeding up of the heartbeat and high blood pressure.
Steroids
Steroids that are prescribed to give relief in this disorder are called corticosteroids. They can reduce sneezing, itchiness, stuffiness, inflammation, and swelling.
They are usually available as pills, inhalers, creams, or even eye drops. Sometimes steroids take a long time – about a few weeks – to demonstrate their full efficacy.
Though corticosteroids have become an integral part of the treatment plan of any allergy, they can have severe side effects. Some of these side effects include high blood pressure, fluid retention and weight gain. Used over a long period, steroids can also cause weakening of muscle, osteoporosis, eye cataracts, diabetes, and growth suppression.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy injections are the only drugs that aim to find a permanent solution to allergies. Your doctor will inject minute quantities of the allergen into your body. Then slowly over a period of time, he will increase the dosage. This way your body learns to cope with an increasing amount of the offending substance and builds a tolerance to it.
The temptation to reach out for an anti allergy drug the moment you break out with the symptoms is pretty strong. But before consuming any kind of allergies medication, you need to consult a health care professional who is trained in identifying the right medicine for you.