Manage Seasonal Allergies with the Right Medication and Treatment
Allergy medication is a helpful solution for managing seasonal symptoms caused by pollen or mold. However, it’s important to be aware that some medications can have undesirable side effects, ranging from sleepiness to urinary problems. To effectively mitigate allergy symptoms during the autumn season, it’s essential to understand how to find the right medication and treatment.
Identifying Allergies vs. Other Illnesses
Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist with the Allergy & Asthma Network, advises individuals to first determine whether they are experiencing allergy symptoms or if they are related to illnesses like COVID-19, a cold, or the flu. Allergies are often associated with itchiness and long-lasting symptoms, while viral infections typically present with a fever, excessive mucus, and a sudden onset of symptoms.
Parikh emphasizes the need to get tested for COVID-19 and/or the flu if there is uncertainty regarding the cause of symptoms. This is because many symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat, can be shared among allergies and other illnesses.
Choosing the Right Allergy Medication
Once other illnesses have been ruled out, there are various allergy medications available. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects they may cause, including dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain, and insomnia.
Allergy medications are antihistamines, which work by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by the immune system in response to perceived threats like pollen. Some antihistamines effectively block symptom-causing histamine but may also affect the histamine receptors that regulate the sleep-wake cycle, resulting in drowsiness. These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl). On the other hand, antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are less likely to cause drowsiness.
It is important to note that certain formulations, such as Claritin D, contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which can cause difficulty sleeping due to its stimulant effects.
Older antihistamines like Benadryl have been associated with weight gain due to their effects on the brain. Newer-generation medications are less likely to cause weight gain as they have a milder effect on the brain. Claritin is considered the least likely to cause weight gain.
Dry mouth is another potential side effect of some allergy medications; however, newer-generation antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec are less likely to cause dryness.
In rare cases, antihistamines may worsen underlying bladder issues. If specific allergy medication causes persistent issues, trying a different variety may be beneficial.
Alternative Strategies for Managing Allergy Symptoms
In addition to medication, there are alternative strategies for reducing pollen exposure and alleviating allergic reactions:
- Avoid high pollen exposure by staying indoors during peak pollen hours, keeping windows closed, and changing into clean clothes after being outdoors.
- Practice general healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol consumption, and not smoking, as these factors can worsen allergy symptoms.
- Consider using DIY methods to relieve minor allergy symptoms, like steam inhalation for congestion. However, more severe symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing should be taken seriously and require medical attention, as they may indicate asthma.
By implementing these tips and finding the right medication, individuals can effectively manage seasonal allergies and enjoy the autumn season without disruptive symptoms.
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