Allergy Medications
Friday, April 18, 2003

For allergy sufferers, relief may be as close as the family medicine cabinet. In the final part of a week-long series on allergies, 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 aren’t effective, there are several prescription medications that can help.

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.

Decongestant tablets and nose drops relieve nasal and sinus congestion by constricting blood vessels.

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.

Some allergy sufferers take shots to help their allergies. The shots contain diluted amounts of allergens. These concentrations will gradually increase as your immune system becomes de-sensitized. Allergy shots are highly effective for allergies to pollens, animal dander and house dust.

For more information, log onto wtva.com and click on Sixty Second Housecall. For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.