Allergy Relief

Many remedies are available for allergies. Some of them are new, and some have been around for a while. Each is suited for certain types of allergies and most are limited as to who can use them and who can't. Get to know the different types so you can decide which remedies are right for you.

Treat Nasal Symptoms

• Get relief from a stuffy or drippy nose with prescription steroid nasal sprays such as Rhinocort and Nasonex. If you have coughing caused by nasal congestion, this will help that, too. It also may help lower the severity of cold symptoms when you get them during allergy season. The medication in the spray reduces swelling in the nasal and sinus tissue. Dosage level can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. Side effects are nosebleeds and a sore throat, though the sore throat is usually short-lived.

Beware of Decongestants

• Oral or spray decongestants such as Sudafed and Afrin can give temporary relief to nasal congestion. They also can have unwanted side effects and lead to special problems for people with glaucoma, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. If you have persistent nasal symptoms, consider a steroid nasal spray instead.

Use Drops for Itchy Eyes

• Pollen and animal dander can cause itchy eyes. There are many over-the-counter and prescription eye drops you can try. If your eyes are itchy, look for one with an antihistamine, such as azelastine, ketotifen or pheniramine. If you are also bothered by runny eyes, or crusty buildup when you wake up, look for one that also has a decongestant such as phenylephrine or naphazoline. Several brands, including store brands, have similar ingredients, so read the labels to know what you're getting and how often you can use them. If you wear contact lenses, pay special attention to which brands you can use and if you have to wait after taking them before putting your contacts in.

Get Rid of Itching with Antihistamines

• Itching can take several forms. You may have an itchy nose, eyes or skin. If you have multiple itches, or itches combined with other allergy symptoms, consider an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl, Claritin or Dimetane. Many of these medications can cause drowsiness, shouldn't be taken if you have glaucoma or are breastfeeding, and can interact with some medications. Another option is to treat the site of the itch, especially if it is your eyes or skin. Eye drops with antihistamine are made by several companies. Ointments, lotions and gels for skin allergies also are very helpful. Look for one with a topical analgesic to deaden some of the itching immediately, as well as an antihisamine to treat the allergy. Benadryl makes both a cream and a gel, each of which come in two strengths, that you can buy over the counter. Treat skin itches immediately because scratching usually makes them worse.

Consider Natural Remedies

• Herbal remedies for allergies include butterbur (Petasites hybridus), freeze-dried nettles and goldenseal. An effective natural treatment for nasal symptoms is saline nasal spray, which can rinse pollen and extra mucus from your nasal passages. Tea tree oil and witch hazel can help for hives and itchy skin. When using any herbal supplements, especially ones you ingest, make sure you consult your doctor. This is particularly important if you are also taking any nonherbal medication because there can be drug interaction problems. Before taking any herbal remedies, do thorough research from several sources.

Know Your Pollens

• Pollen is released by several different types of plants, each at different times during the season. Generally, trees release pollen in early spring. You may find a certain type of tree pollen bothers you more than others, such as pine trees. Grass pollen is a common allergen and is in the air from early summer on. Ragweed, or goldenrod, blooms in late summer and the pollen can continue until a hard frost kills the plants. Know which pollens are high at any given time and which ones bother you. Keep grass cut so it doesn't bloom and release pollen, and cut areas where ragweed grows. Consider wearing a paper mask when pollen is high or keep the windows closed. Eating local honey may help reduce your sensitivity to certain pollens.

Other Options

• Allergy shots can be effective for certain types of allergies, including hay fever and allergies to animals. They are time-consuming and you should check to see if your health insurance covers them. They may not provide relief beyond the treatment period if you stop taking them. Other options include leukotriene inhibitors, such as Singulair, and mast cell inhibitors such as Nasalcrom or Crolom.