Allergies are among the most common and fastest-growing chronic diseases in Australia. Truth be told, there are a lot of allergy types that are common in people of all ages, so recognizing and treating them is fundamental. Although some people won’t need any medication because of the lack of symptoms or of their mildness, in some people, the symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. In such situations, the use of allergy medication is essential.
Usually, these medications come in the form of inhalers, liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays, injections and even creams. Some of them are available prescribed and some of them as over-the-counter medications.
Antihistamines
Antihistamine is a medication that successfully blocks histamine (a chemical released by the body when a person comes into contact with something that he’s allergic to). When it comes to using antihistamine Australia doctors state is that it can be used as both a treatment and as a precaution.
A great example of preventative use of this medication is using it before the season of pollen allergies. In order to prevent annoying eye itchiness, runny nose and headaches, a lot of people rely on the use of the antihistamine Australia medication range. By starting using the chosen antihistamine medications for at least two weeks prior to the allergy season, you won’t have to deal with a runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes and other annoying allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines can usually be obtained over-the-counter and they come in many forms, like the following.
Tablets and Liquids
These two types of medications can be available as OTC and prescribed medication. They’re great in reducing the symptoms of hives, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and some other allergy symptoms. The most important thing you should know is that some antihistamine allergy medications like ‘diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine’ can cause drowsiness, so you need to be careful when you need to drive or do something else. In those cases when your attention and focus are needed, you can use loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine and desloratadine.
Eye Drops
As the name implies, eye drops containing this medication are great for reducing or preventing the symptoms of itchy and watery eyes, eye redness or even eye swelling. A great example of antihistamine eye drops is ketotifen, olopatadine and pheniramine. Just keep in mind that some of them might sting or burn, so keeping them in the freezer is the best way to reduce this ‘side effect’. Or, you can also use artificial-tear drops to reduce the symptoms.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays are great for reducing the symptoms of sneezing, runny and itchy nose. They’re also great for reducing sinus congestion and postnasal drip, but just like the aforementioned medications, nasal sprays can also cause a feeling of drowsiness. Some popular nasal sprays containing this allergy medication are azelastine and olopatadine.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory types of medications that can be used for many other things than just allergies. Just like many other allergy medications, corticosteroids can also come in different forms.
Nasal Sprays
Available in this form, corticosteroids are great in relieving and preventing the symptoms of sneezing, stuffiness and runny nose. Some of the most common corticosteroid nasal sprays are fluticasone furoate, fluticasone propionate, mometasone and triamcinolone.
Inhalers
These corticosteroids are often used for reducing the symptoms of asthma or some more severe allergy symptoms. Some inhalers can come in the combination of corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. The most popular inhalers are budesonide, fluticasone, beclomethasone, ciclesonide and mometasone.
Tablets and Liquids
These types of medications are mainly used for treating severe allergic symptoms and reactions. Unfortunately, long-term use of oral corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cataracts, stomach ulcers, increased blood sugar and high blood pressure. Some popular corticosteroids in this form are methylprednisolone, prednisone and prednisolone.
Skin Creams
These creams are designed to relieve a skin allergic reaction that has been manifested in scars, itchiness and redness. Coming in different potencies, the low-potent ones are available as OTC medications, however, consulting with a pharmacist or your doctor is essential in order not to exceed the recommended time of use. Some popular corticosteroid skin creams are betamethasone, desonide, hydrocortisone, mometasone and triamcinolone.
Decongestants
These types of allergy medications are used for fast and temporary relief of nasal and sinus congestion. Although seeming harmless, these meds aren’t recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases, high blood sugar, glaucoma and hyperthyroidism.
Allergy Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is used when other treatments aren’t that effective or tolerated by the patient. Except for allergies, they’re also great for reducing the symptoms of asthma in some patients. The goal of this therapy is to gradually and carefully increase exposure to allergens like dust mites, mould and pollens.
Injections
Immunotherapy may be given in the form of an injection that should be applied once or twice a week. Depending on the patient’s tolerance, the dosage can be increased on a weekly basis or every two weeks.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
This form of immunotherapy consists of placing an allergen-based tablet under your tongue as that way the effects of it are faster. This kind of immunotherapy has proven great in reducing the symptoms of runny nose, eye irritation, congestion, asthma symptoms, etc. Generally speaking, one SLIT tablet contains dust mites, while several tablets contain extracts from pollens of different types of grass-like short ragweed, Kentucky bluegrass, sweet vernal, orchard, timothy grass, etc.
