If you are suffering badly from constant attacks of allergies, then you must be feeling frustrated. You cannot enjoy the fresh smells of flowers or enjoy the warm weather outside. While the pollens from flowers cause inhalation problems, the warm touch of sun causes skin rashes on your body. When life appears hopeless, I will help you with the best treatments that will ease your allergic situation to a great extent. You must be wondering about what are the ways allergies can be treated?
Well the easiest way to treat allergy is to stay away from the things that can cause allergic reactions. For example, if people have allergy to shellfish, then they should not be consuming shellfish at all. People with dust mite allergies should make use of air-purifiers to reduce all the allergens from the air. Since it will become truly difficult for you to move from polluted areas to cleaner places, so you start undertaking treatments to stop allergies from becoming less severe.
Common allergy treatments
Although there are limited mainstream of medical treatments for allergies, yet they are quite effective.
Following are some of the treatments for allergies:
Immunotherapy
It is a form of treatment where the patient is gradually vaccinated with larger doses of allergens. This will reduce the severity or eliminate hypersensitivity altogether. A third form of immunotherapy involves the intravenous injection of monoclonal anti-lgE antibodies into your system.
Chemotherapy
These include the antagonistic drugs that help in blocking the actions of allergic mediators, preventing activation of cells in your body. They include Cortisone, Antihistamines, Theophylline, Cromolyn Sodium and Epinephrine that can alleviate the symptoms of allergy specially occurring due to bee stings, shellfish, peanuts and nuts.
Alternate therapies
You can undergo other alternative therapies like herbal medicines, traditional Chinese medicines, Kinesiology and homeopathy to treat your allergies.
Other effective treatments for allergies
Another common treatment for allergies is using a set of medications called antihistamines, which prevent the formation of histamines that are the main cause of allergy. The best example of such antihistamine is Benadryl that will reduce your allergies effectively. The other common over-the-counter drugs that are required for treating allergies include decongestants, bronchilators [for treating asthma related allergies], and allergy shots. The allergy shots are given in the form of vaccines but you should make sure about the amount of medication is needed to produce the desired effect in controlling allergic reactions.
Treat your allergies effectively to enjoy a happy life. So good health to all who are suffering from intensity of allergies.
Overview and benefits of OTC medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates OTC medications, just like they do prescription medications. In fact, most OTC medications were once prescription medications.
Examples of OTC medications that were once prescription medications include:
- Claritin®, which is used for the treatment of allergies
- Motrin®, which is used for pain and inflammation
- Zantac®, Axid® and Pepcid ®, which are used for gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn
The FDA only approves OTC medications that have been proven both safe and effective for most people.
- The fact that 600 OTC medications are available today reflects the FDA’s confidence that consumers can safely and effectively treat many common ailments with OTC medications1
- It is estimated that between 70 to 90 percent of all illnesses in the United States are self-treated2
- A 1992 Heller Research Group survey found that 92 percent of respondents were satisfied with OTC medications and experienced no problems or side effects2
OTC medications may be used for symptom relief for headaches, colds, or to treat minor conditions such as athlete’s foot.
Additionally, certain OTC medications, such as pain relievers, can be used for a variety of conditions including headache, back pain, muscle aches, and fever.
- Don’t assume that if an OTC medication does not work for you that you need a prescription. A pharmacist or physician can determine if you are taking the OTC medication appropriately or may be able to recommend another OTC medication that may work better for you
Did you know that you can save money by choosing an OTC medication?
- With copayments for prescription drugs as high as $50, there is a good chance that an OTC medication will cost you less than a prescription medication.
What to consider when selecting OTC medications
As with any medication, OTC medications should only be used when needed and as directed.
It is important to keep the following points in mind:
- OTC medications can interact with other medications
- Avoid alcohol if you are taking OTC antihistamines, drugs to treat insomnia, or certain OTC pain
relievers.
- Do not use OTC medications to treat insomnia if you are taking prescription sedatives or
tranquilizers.
- Check with your doctor before using products that contain aspirin if you are taking a prescription
blood thinner or if you have diabetes, gout, or arthritis.
- Do not use a nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI). MAOIs are used to treat depression, psychiatric/emotional conditions, and Parkinson’s disease.
If you are uncertain whether you are taking a MAOI, consult a health care professional before taking an OTC.
- Care should be taken when giving any medication to children as many OTC medications are intended for adult use only. OTC medication labels provide information on use of the medication with children. Children and teenagers with a cold or the flu should not receive salicylates (aspirin) because of the resulting increased risk of developing Reye syndrome.
- Even though a prescription is not required, OTC medications may have side effects. Therefore, it is important to read the label and follow package instructions. Be sure you know the following for all medications:
- How often you should take the medication.
- Whether to take the medication with food or between meals.
- What side effects you might experience from the medication.
- What are the potential interactions with other drugs.
- For more information on OTC medication labels, visit the Federal Citizen Information Center’s electronic pamphlet on medication labeling.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage
- You can always speak with a pharmacist for more information or to help you find an OTC medication that best meets your needs
- If a health problem persists or worsens while taking an OTC medication, consult a physician or other appropriate health care provider immediately