An allergy is your body’s abnormal immune response to something that does not affect most other people. It is a sort of false alarm, where your immune system, which normally fights germs, responds to something that should normally not cause problems. People who have allergies are often sensitive to more than one thing.

An allergen is any substance that triggers an allergic reaction by the immune system when eaten, inhaled, injected, or touched. A variety of substances can trigger allergies, the most common of which are pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. Besides these, many people have allergies to food and insect stings. Medicines can also cause an allergic reaction as an unwanted side effect. Drug allergies can be mild, such as skin reactions (hives or rashes), or more serious and life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis.

Allergic conditions are some of the most common health issues that affect children and adults in the United States. Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year. Roughly 8% of the population has allergic rhinitis (hay fever), triggered by allergens in the air. Each year, there are about 200,000 emergency room visits because of food allergies.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergies can range from mild and annoying to a severe form called anaphylaxis, which can cause death. Mild symptoms result in allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Allergic rhinitis includes coughing, sneezing, a scratchy throat, a runny or stuffy nose, or itchy eyes, nose, or mouth. Hay fever can occur seasonally or continuously.

Seasonal rhinitis usually occurs or worsens in the spring, summer, or early fall due to increased airborne pollen from trees, grasses, weeds, or mold spores. However, dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, or mold spores usually cause perennial rhinitis.

Medications for Allergies

There is no cure for allergies. However, they can be prevented and treated with medications, allergy shots, and avoiding the substance that triggers the allergies. Allergy medications are available in a variety of forms, including pills, liquids, nasal sprays, inhalers, eye drops, skin creams, and injections. Some of these medications are prescription drugs while others are available over-the-counter. Some of the commonly used medications to treat allergies are described below.

Antihistamines block a chemical called histamine that is released by the immune system during allergic reactions. Antihistamine pills and liquids are used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, swelling, and hives. Nasal sprays with antihistamines help ease allergy symptoms like sneezing, postnasal drip, sinus congestion, and itchy or runny nose. Antihistamine eye drops are used to relieve itching, swelling, and redness of the eyes.

Decongestants provide quick but temporary relief from nasal and sinus congestion caused by allergic conditions like hay fever. Many allergy medications include a combination of antihistamine and decongestant, which decrease blood perfusion to the nose due to vasoconstriction that helps stop mucus production.

Corticosteroids suppress the inflammation caused by allergic reactions. Oral corticosteroids are used to manage all types of severe allergic symptoms. When used as nasal sprays, they relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal stuffiness. Corticosteroid inhalers are used to treat asthma caused by airborne allergens. Aerosol formats of corticosteroids can ease the sensation of liquid trickling down the throat. Eye drops containing corticosteroids are prescribed to people with itchy, watery, red eyes that have not responded to other interventions. Skin creams containing corticosteroids are used to relieve allergic symptoms like itching, scaliness, and redness.

Mast cell stabilizers are medications that act by blocking the release of chemicals that contribute to allergy symptoms. They are typically used when antihistamines are ineffective or not tolerated well. These drugs take several days to produce their full effect and are available as nasal sprays and eye drops.

Leukotriene inhibitors are oral medications that relieve signs and symptoms of allergy such as a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.

Immunotherapy is an allergy treatment that involves gradually increasing exposure to an allergen. This allergy treatment is typically used for allergens that are difficult to avoid, such as airborne pollens and molds. Immunotherapy trains the immune system to stop reacting to these substances. It can be given as a series of shots (injections) with a gradual increase in dose. Sublingual immunotherapy is also available where an allergen-containing tablet is placed under the tongue.

Epinephrine is used to treat life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. The drug is available as an auto-injector (self-injecting syringe and needle). People who have a history of severe allergies, for example, to bee stings or peanuts, may need to carry these auto-injectors on them at all times.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Allergies

Many medications for allergies are available over-the-counter, including antihistamines, decongestants, and low-potency corticosteroid skin creams. Although these medications are available without a prescription, it is always recommended to talk to your doctor before using these drugs for more than a few days as they can cause serious side effects. It is especially important to speak to a healthcare professional before taking allergy medications if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a chronic health condition, or take other medications.

Common Side Effects of Allergy Medications

Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and fatigue and should be taken with caution when driving or performing other activities that require alertness. Some antihistamines like diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine are more likely to cause drowsiness than others. Antihistamine nasal sprays can cause a bitter taste. Eye drops containing antihistamines can cause dry eyes and headache as side effects.

Decongestants can cause side effects like headaches, problems sleeping, irritability, and an increase in blood pressure. They are not recommended for people with certain medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and hyperthyroidism. Prolonged or repeated use of decongestants for more than 3 days can make congestion worse.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays can cause nosebleeds, nasal irritation, and unpleasant taste. Inhalers can cause throat irritation or yeast infections in the mouth. Corticosteroid eye drops need to be carefully monitored by an eye doctor because they can cause infection, cataracts, and glaucoma. Long-term use of oral corticosteroids has been linked to osteoporosis (brittle bones), stomach ulcers, high blood sugar, muscle weakness, and worsening high blood pressure. Skin creams containing corticosteroids can cause irritation and discoloration, and long-term use can lead to thinning of the skin and abnormal hormone levels.

Leukotriene inhibitors can cause psychological symptoms in some people, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, bizarre dreams, and problems sleeping.

Common Questions

Why do some people develop allergies and others do not?

Genes and environment both play a role in whether a person develops allergies. Allergies can affect people regardless of age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Your doctor will obtain a detailed health history and perform a physical examination. Diagnostic tests, including blood tests and skin tests, may be performed to confirm the findings on history and physical exam.

What are the different types of allergens?

• Environmental allergies include pollens, mold spores, and pet dander. 
• Skin allergies include sensitivity to a topical product, poison ivy or poison oak, medication, illness, or food reactions.
• Food allergies are a reaction ranging from mild to severe. The major offenders include milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, finned fish, and shellfish.
• Medication allergies may occur after being exposed to a drug like penicillin, cephalosporins, or intravenous contrast dye. 
• Insect allergies may occur with cockroaches, dust mites, insect bites, or insect stings.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and results in the following signs and symptoms:

• Rashes
• Hives
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Asthma attacks
• Death

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis needs immediate medical care. Call 911 and administer their epinephrine autoinjector, if available.

Can allergies be cured?

Doctors cannot cure allergies, but uncomfortable symptoms can be managed through prevention and treatment. The best way to manage allergic rhinitis is to avoid the cause by eliminating or decreasing exposure to triggers. However, if avoidance is impossible, there are many helpful allergy medications, ranging from immunotherapy to over-the-counter to prescription drugs. Immunotherapy, known as allergy shots, improve symptoms in 85% of those with allergic rhinitis.

Can I get a discount on allergy medications with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.

References: 

1. https://medlineplus.gov/allergy.html
2. https://medlineplus.gov/drugreactions.html
3. https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/
4. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/anaphylaxis
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403
6. https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/