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The Best Allergy Relief Medication

An allergy is when your body reacts hypersensitivly to specific triggers. Some of the typical offenders are pet dander, pollens, and molds. Although people have different allergies, their reactions tend to be the same. Most people have hay fever symptoms, which include nasal congestion, itchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes and coughing. All of these symptoms occur due to increased inflammation and swelling. Using the right types of medication can provide relief even when allergy season is at its worst.

  1. Antihistamines

    • Antihistamines are a widely used type of medication that can help provide allergy relief. Their purpose is to block histamine, which is a chemical that gets released in the body during an allergic response. Antihistamines counter this reaction, and can reduce symptoms dramatically. Although many people take their antihistamines orally, they do come in the forms of nasal sprays, as well as eye drops. Depending on the severity of your condition, antihistamines are available over the counter, or by prescription. It's best to take this medication at the first sign of a reaction, as it can take up to 30 minutes before any relief is felt.

    Leukotriene Blockers

    • Another medication that is among the best to take for allergies, is one that has a leukotriene blocker in it. Leukotrienes are molecules in the body that have the ability to send messages to other cells and to create inflammation. Because inflammation is an integral part of allergies, this process is thought to have a big impact on the severity of reactions. Leukotriene blockers are available in prescription medications to be taken orally on a daily basis. They are not meant for immediate relief, but over time can have a preventative, long lasting effect.

    Decongestants

    • Decongestants are another great medication to help relieve allergy symptoms. With all the inflammation that occurs with allergies, congestion is a major problem for sufferers. Decongestants are very effective in reducing that problem. Although they are available orally, they are primarily used in nasal sprays. Many over the counter decongestants are powerful enough to relieve most allergy symptoms, but prescription varieties are available for those with more chronic reactions. Like antihistamines, decongestants should be used at the first sign of an allergic reaction, as they can take up to 30 minutes to relieve congestion.

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