ALLERGY BRIEFS

Medications for allergy season

March 26, 2003

The first approach in dealing with allergies is always avoidance where possible. There are some excellent measures that can provide barriers to dust mites.

For pollen allergies, click here.

For mild allergies, avoidance may be sufficient. But pollen and dust mites cannot be completely avoided. Medications are usually the second defense against allergens.

Patients with asthma should always be under the care of a physician and you should follow your physician's treatment plan carefully.

For mild symptoms of rhinitis (clear, thin nasal drainage) and watery itchy eyes, you can try an over-the-counter antihistamine. Most of them cause drowsiness, and you should not drive or operate machinery while taking them.

One of the non-sedating antihistamines (loratadine) has recently become available over-the-counter. There are also over-the-counter eye drops to help with watery, itchy eyes. Your pharmacist can help you select the best choices for you.

Ask your physician if over-the-counter medications are a good choice for you, especially if you are taking other medications, have other health problems, or are pregnant or nursing a baby.

If over-the-counter medications don't provide relief, your physician may prescribe other medications which will help. If symptoms are not well-controlled with prescription medications, you may benefit by a combination of avoidance, medications, and allergy injections.

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