Allergy  Medications
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

For allergy sufferers, relief may be as close as the family medicine cabinet. Dr. Ken Davis discusses allergy medications in today’s Sixty Second Housecall

There are many over-the-counter medications available that can relieve allergy symptoms. And when those are not effective, there are several prescription medications that can help.

Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms. Antihistamines block histamine, the substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. If an antihistamine makes you drowsy or loses its effectiveness, switch to another type. Antihistamines can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray or eye drops.

Decongestant tablets and nose drops relieve nasal and sinus congestion by constricting blood vessels. Decongestants are often prescribed along with antihistamines. They come in nasal spray, eye drop or pill form.

Bronchodilators are inhaled directly into the lungs to open the air passages and provide immediate relief from coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, check with your doctor first before using any allergy medication. And if your doctor gives you a prescription medication, be sure he is aware of any over-the-counter medications that you might be using.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.