Allergies Medications

An allergy is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to substances (allergens) that are generally not harmful. Allergy develops when an oversensitive immune system responds adversely if triggered by or exposed to certain substances that are harmless to most people.

Allergies are common and symptoms vary in severity from one person to another.

Signs and Symptoms

Allergy symptoms can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe:

• Mild reactions include symptoms affecting a specific area of the body, such as: rash or hives; itchy, watery eyes; and some congestion.
• Moderate reactions include symptoms that spread to other parts of the body (itchiness) or difficulty breathing.
• Severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, are rare but life-threatening. The body's response to the allergen is sudden and systemic. Anaphylaxis may begin with severe itching of the eyes or face and within minutes, progresses to more serious symptoms, including swelling (which could result in difficulty swallowing and breathing); abdominal pain; cramps; vomiting; diarrhea; hives; and angioedema (hives in the throat). Mental confusion or dizziness may also be considered symptoms since anaphylaxis causes a quick drop in blood pressure.

Common allergic conditions include:

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Asthma
• Allergic eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Allergic eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Allergic shock (anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock)

More about Allergies

Causes and Risk Factors

Allergies are caused by exposure to allergens like:

• Drugs, most commonly antibiotics and aspirin
• Food, most commonly cow's milk, fish, shellfish, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat
• Infectious bacteria and viruses
• Animal proteins such as dander, skin and urine
• Parasites and insects
• Inhalants like dust, pollen
• Plants like poison ivy and oak
• Chemicals, dyes, cosmetics
• Other physical agents

Allergy can be hereditary.

Diagnosis

• Skin test - intradermal, scratch or other tests
• Blood test or radioallergosorbent (RAST)

Treatment Approach

Allergy treatment varies according to symptom and severity of condition:

• Avoidance or reduced exposure.
• Treatment of allergic symptoms with medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, and allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Medications

Allergy medication comes in the form of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Depending on a patient's symptom or condition, the most common allergy products include antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, cromolyn sodium/nedocromil sodium, and epinephrine.

 

Specific allergy prescription medicines are:

Allergies Medications

• Allegra
• Allegra-D
• Telfast
• Zyrtec