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Quick Tips
 | Antihistamines are the drug of choice for treating allergy
symptoms
 | Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, etc) is very effective but can make many
people sleepy. |
| Brompheniramine, Chlorpheniramine, Doxylamine are found in various
products and can also induce drowsiness. |
| Loratadine is less likely to cause sleepiness but is not as effective in
controlling symptoms. |
Histamine is a chemical your body releases in the
presence of a substance you are allergic to. It is what causes the runny nose,
watery eyes, itchy throat, and the like. Antihistamines block the effect of
histamine.
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| Decongestants are also helpful to reduce the stuffy nose
and sinuses so often occurring with an allergy.
| Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are the only two decongestants
available OTC. |
| Pseudoephedrine is the more effective decongestant. Though no
prescription is needed, in many states you have to ask the pharmacist for it
(due to its use in illegal drug manufacture) |
| Decongestants do not effect the allergy symptoms of sneezing,
itchiness, watery eyes, or runny nose; they simply reduce the stuffiness
caused by these effects. |
Decongestants act by constricting blood vessels which
helps reduce the swollen nose and sinus tissue that causes stuffiness.
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| Pain medications are sometimes included as well
| Go to the Pain Relief Page for more
information |
| Pain relievers are only needed if you have significant pain from the
congestion, as mild pain will usually resolve from the use of decongestants
and antihistamines |
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