Here’s the question that every allergic person wants answered - when the symptoms hit, what works?
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) undertook a review of the most effective drugs for symptom control and have three easy tips for allergy sufferers:
- Break out the spray! Nasal sprays which use corticosteroids in their formulations are one of the most effective drugs for allergy patients. So, if nasal symptoms plague you, head to your doctor now and get a prescription.
- Antihistamines are still a good bet. Most folks can comfortably control symptoms if they get on a good over-the-counter antihistamine before seasonal allergies set in, and stay on it. The trick is to avoid the ones that sedate you, like chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine. Instead, use one of the newer, non-sedating antihistamines. The good news is that you can use the one that you like the best: research has not shown any single second generation antihistamine that is superior to the others.
- Steroids don’t work for you? Then look at the newest generation of allergy drugs that block leukotrienes. Combine this kind of drug with an antihistamine, and ditch the nasal steroid spray.
Want to avoid allergy drugs? Try nasal rinsing! You can buy a bulb syringe, pulsing device or neti pot. You can find any of these devices online or at your local drug store. Fill with a solution of water and salt and baking soda - a warm solution is more pleasant to use. Make sure you are leaning over a sink to use any of these devices. Follow the instructions on the device and rinse one nostril and then the other. The reason this works is that the offending pollen is washed out of the nose.
This technique definitely helps - but won’t do as much as the most effective drugs. But in combination with allergy medications, this technique can help to manage your seasonal sniffles - and even reduce the amount of medication that is required to control symptoms.
Source: USA Today
