Allergy treatment is a topical issue. Completely cure allergies is currently impossible, but there are medications that can help you greatly ease the symptoms.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines - Allergy is the most common drugs. When the body is in contact with the allergen people - it may be, for example, pollen, some types of plants or animal hair - it begins to produce substances which are called histamine. They cause nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, pruritus, rash Rash: Classification - primary and secondary elements And other symptoms associated with allergies. Antihistamines block histamine activity, and because of this allergy symptoms disappear. They are used to treat various types of allergies, for example, seasonal allergies (including hay fever), food allergies Food allergies: the main thing - inside And many varieties of allergies caused by a substance or micro-organisms present in a person's home. If an allergic reaction causes nasal congestion, your doctor may recommend a different type of drugs - decongestants. The structure of some medicines like decongestants include, and antihistamines.

Types of antihistamines. Antihistamines are produced in various forms, including - in the form of tablets, capsules, nasal sprays, eye drops. Some antihistamines are sold without a prescription, while others can be purchased only by prescription. Examples of prescription antihistamines:

• Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) - nasal sprays;
• Hydroxyzine;
• Desloratadine;
• Cyproheptadine;
• Carbinoxamine;
• Levocetirizine.

Examples of OTC antihistamines:

• Fexofenadine;
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine);
• Brompheniramine;
• Claritin (loratadine);
• Clemastine;
• Chlorpheniramine;
• Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Side effects. So-called first-generation antihistamines, which include, for example, diphenhydramine, cause quite significant side-effects, including - drowsiness and blurred vision. New antihistamines, for example, desloratadine, are generally more innocuous, and now the majority of people who suffer from allergies, it appointed them. Some of the most common side effects of antihistamines:

• Dry mouth;
• Drowsiness;
• Dizziness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Irritability and mood swings (usually in children);
• Problems with urination;
• Blurred vision;
• Confusion.

If you are prescribed antihistamines which can cause drowsiness, it is best to take them at bedtime. Do not take them for a day before you sit behind the steering wheel, or will be working with the technique, which can be dangerous to you or others.

Decongestants

Sometimes allergic reactions cause swelling of the nasal tissues, which leads to nasal congestion. Decongestants constrict blood vessels, relieve swelling, so the patient becomes easier to breathe; but they do not help with the itching, or, for example, allergic rhinitis. Preparations of this type are available in the form of tablets, solutions, nasal drops and nasal sprays. Many decongestants sold over the counter. By decongestants include drugs such as oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine.

Nasal decongestants sprays are not recommended for use for more than three consecutive days. Long-term use of these drugs can strengthen nasal congestion.

Those who have such disorders, such as glaucoma Glaucoma - an eye disease , High blood pressure, high heart disease, thyroid dysfunction, enlarged prostate or diabetes before taking decongestants should consult a doctor.

Some people decongestants cause nervousness and sleep problems. If such side effects are observed at you, try to reduce the consumption of caffeine during treatment. If this does not help, talk to your doctor - you may need to opt out of receiving decongestants.

Nasal sprays with an anticholinergic effect

Anticholinergics ipratropium bromide is found in many nasal sprays, which are used to treat allergic rhinitis. This agent effectively reduces the secretion of glands located in the nasal cavity, but it removes only rhinitis, and other allergic symptoms easier.

In some cases, anticholinergic nasal sprays may cause dryness of the nasal cavity, which can cause irritation and bleeding from the nose. However, these side effects are generally relatively weakly expressed and tested soon after treatment.

Steroid nasal sprays

These drugs relieve inflammation in the nasal passages, and thus facilitate the many symptoms of allergies associated with the nasal cavity. These side effects may be nosebleeds and sore throat. Steroid nasal sprays are contraindicated for people who are allergic and hypersensitivity to any components of these drugs.

Montelukast

Montelukast - it antileukotriene drug that relieves the symptoms of allergies, and is also used to prevent asthma attacks. It relieves nasal congestion, and reduces symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes and sneezing, and opens the airways. This drug blocks the activity of substances called leukotrienes - they cause swelling of the nasal cavity, stimulate mucus production and airway narrowing in people suffering from asthma. Montelukast is sold only by prescription, it is taken once a day. Side effects montekulasta may be headache, ear pain, sore throat, nervousness, nausea, and nasal congestion.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body get used to the allergens - it does not cure the allergy, but with time it will become less pronounced symptoms and allergic reactions are increasingly rare. The so-called allergy shots that make in the course of immunotherapy, are appointed in cases where conventional allergy medications are ineffective, or if the allergy symptoms persist for more than three months a year.

Such therapy can be dangerous for people with heart and lung disease, as well as those taking certain medications. Before treatment, be sure to tell your doctor have any illnesses you have had before, and is now, as well as the medicines that you take.

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