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Allergies are one of the most common conditions in the world, with the prevalence of allergic diseases rising dramatically over the last 50 years. Sensitization to allergens in the U.S. is approaching 40%-50% among school children alone. In this guide, we’ll explain how allergies are tested and diagnosed. First, we'll compare popular allergy medicine, discuss the side effects, and finally present some natural alternatives to allergy treatment.
What are allergies?
In simple terms, allergies are the body’s overreaction to a substance (an allergen). Some of the most common allergens are certain foods, animal hair (dander), pollen from plants like ragweed, and dust mites.Depending on the allergen, people with allergies usually experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, rashes or hives, or a runny nose. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available. Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription allergy medicines may help relieve symptoms and reduce allergen sensitivity.
How are allergies diagnosed?
For example, when you’re allergic to a substance, like ragweed pollen, you may notice symptoms like watery eyes and a runny nose. Tracking the symptoms when you come into contact with different allergens can help your doctor diagnose your specific allergy. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist called an allergist or immunologist for tests. Allergists are specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and manage allergies.Questions to ask your doctor or specialist about possibly having allergies:
- Do I need any tests? Which ones?
- What are my treatment options?
- What is the best allergy medicine for me?
- Will I have the allergies forever, or will they go away?
Questions your doctor may ask to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan:
- What are your symptoms?
- When did the symptoms start?
- Does anything, in particular, trigger your symptoms?
- Does anything in particular help alleviate your symptoms?
- Do you have any other medical conditions or take medication?
These tests by themselves can't confirm whether you have allergies or not. Combining these test results and your medical history will help your doctor form a diagnosis.
Allergy skin tests
Skin tests are generally more affordable than allergy blood tests. Plus, they give results quickly, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. Other medicines can sometimes affect skin tests, so tell your doctor about any medication you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements.An allergy skin test is usually performed on the forearm, upper arm, or back. The doctor will prick a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the skin's surface, and they may test several allergens simultaneously.
If you are allergic to one of the allergens, your skin will show signs of redness and swelling at the test spot.
Another skin test your doctor may perform is to inject small amounts of a suspected allergen into the skin, rather than a drop on the surface, and monitor for any reaction. Allergic reactions will often appear within 20 minutes but can sometimes be delayed for a few hours. If this is the case, you must report the delayed reaction to your doctor.
Skin testing is an effective, efficient, and usually pain-free way to find out if you have any allergies. In one appointment, you can meet with your allergist, test suspected allergens, get your results, and determine the best allergy treatment for you.
Allergy blood tests
There are three reasons why an allergist or immunologist may use blood tests rather than skin tests for your suspected allergies.- You’re taking medications that will interfere with a skin test
- You have a preexisting skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis
- The allergen being tested could result in a large, severe positive reaction
Both skin and blood tests are helpful and effective for testing allergies to some medicines, mold, food, pollen, insect stings, dust mites, and animal dander.
Allergy treatment options
After you’ve been diagnosed with an allergy, your doctor will suggest the most appropriate treatment plan. Although allergies cannot be cured entirely, allergic reactions can be treated and prevented in several ways. Your sensitivity can also be significantly reduced, depending on your specific allergy.These are the three common ways to treat and avoid allergic reactions. Your doctor may recommend a combination of all three:
1. Avoid allergens
Although not always easy or practical, one of the most effective ways to manage allergies is to avoid exposure to the allergen. For example, if you have food allergies, you may become more careful about what you eat. If you have hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), it may be best to shut the windows and stay indoors and away from grass when the pollen count is high. Allergy season could last nearly all year, depending on where you live.2. Medication
You can purchase the appropriate medication over the counter at your local pharmacy for many mild allergies. For more severe allergies, your doctor may provide you with prescription medication. The most common types of allergy medications include:- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Steroids
- Lotions and creams
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as desensitization, is a treatment option usually reserved for people with severe and persistent allergies. People who try immunotherapy have usually tried other treatment options without success. Under the supervision of a doctor, patients are given small doses of the allergen in an injection form to help their bodies get used to it over time. If you experience severe allergy symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about using allergy shots.Allergy medicine
Several medications are available to help with allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription. They fall into a few groups, each working slightly differently to treat allergies.Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines are the most popular class of drugs used to treat allergy symptoms. So how do they work? When people experience an allergic reaction, their immune system is triggered by an allergen (pollen, for example). This means that the immune system begins releasing chemicals called histamines. Histamines latch onto specific receptors in the body, leading to uncomfortable allergy symptoms like itching and swelling.As the name suggests, antihistamines block histamines' effects, preventing them from causing irritation and other symptoms of an allergic response.
The main side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness, which is more common in older antihistamines. However, there are some newer antihistamines available that are non-sedating. It’s best to avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, as it can worsen drowsiness.
Popular over-the-counter antihistamines brand names include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), Dimetapp (brompheniramine), Xyzal (levocetirizine), and Clarinex (desloratadine).
RELATED: Allegra vs Zyrtec: Main Differences and Similarities
Decongestants
Some of the most common allergy symptoms are nasal congestion and puffy eyes. This is because allergens can cause the tissues and blood vessels in your nose and sinuses to swell. A decongestant reduces the swelling of this tissue, which helps relieve the symptoms.Decongestants are available as tablets, eye drops, nasal allergy sprays, and oral liquids. However, both eye drops and nasal spray decongestants should only be taken a few days at a time as their long-term use can cause symptoms to worsen.
Some of the most popular over-the-counter decongestants are:
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
- Afrin (oxymetazoline)
- Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine)
Combination drugs
These medicines combine both antihistamines and decongestants to treat multiple symptoms at once. Both over-the-counter and prescription allergy medicines are available.Well-known over-the-counter combination allergy medicines include Benadryl Allergy and Sinus (diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine), Claritin-D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine), Allegra-D (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine), and Zyrtec-D (cetirizine and pseudoephedrine).
Steroids
Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, can reduce inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis. They can help reduce sneezing, itchy and runny nose, and nasal decongestion.Steroids are extremely effective in treating allergies. However, they generally need to be taken daily and are best suited to people who have seasonal allergies or ongoing, year-round allergies.
Nasal steroids, including Qnasl (beclomethasone) and Nasonex (mometasone), are prescription allergy medicines. There are also over-the-counter options, including Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide), Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone), and Nasacort Allergy 24hr (triamcinolone).
Compared to antihistamines and decongestants, there may be more serious side effects associated with steroid use. The most common side effects of nasal steroids for allergies include nasal dryness and nosebleeds. However, long-term, high-dose use of steroids may cause other side effects like fluid retention, high blood pressure, mood or memory changes, diabetes, and osteoporosis (brittle bones). Long-term steroids may also increase the risk of cataracts, adrenal insufficiency, and decreased immunity (capacity to fight infections).
What is the best allergy medicine?
As with most medications and treatments, the best allergy medicine for one person may not be the right option for someone else. The right medication for you will be determined by your doctor, taking into consideration your medical condition and medical history. Your healthcare provider will also consider any other medications you may be taking, as there is the possibility they could interact with some allergy medications. Your doctor will also be able to monitor your progress and response to treatment and make any changes accordingly.These are the most commonly recommended allergy medications:
Best medications for allergies
| Drug name | Learn more | See SingleCare price |
|---|---|---|
| Benadryl Allergy | benadryl-allergy details | Get free coupon |
| Zyrtec | zyrtec details | Get free coupon |
| Allegra Allergy | allegra-allergy details | Get free coupon |
| Claritin | claritin details | Get free coupon |
| Sudafed Congestion | sudafed-congestion details | Get free coupon |
| Afrin Nasal Spray | afrin-nasal-spray details | Get free coupon |
| Claritin-D 12 Hour | claritin-d-12-hour details | Get free coupon |
| Allegra-D Allergy & Congestion | allegra-d-allergy-congestion details | Get free coupon |
| Rhinocort Allergy | rhinocort-allergy details | Get free coupon |
| Flonase Allergy Relief | flonase-allergy-relief details | Get free coupon |
Your doctor determines dosage based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other factors. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are common side effects of allergy medication?
As with most medications, there is a risk of side effects. Although not a complete list of every possible side effect, here are a few of the most common for different allergy drug types:- Antihistamines: Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, and difficulty urinating. However, many newer, second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness and other side effects.
- Decongestants: These can cause insomnia, nervousness, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Some people may also experience dizziness and headache.
- Steroids: Nasal steroids for allergies typically cause a dry or irritated throat, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and nosebleeds.
Can I treat allergies naturally?
Many people also use a combination of natural remedies and medications to alleviate and treat allergies.Popular ways to naturally prevent or reduce the impact of allergy symptoms are:
- Vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin C, bromelain, butterbur, apple cider vinegar, and quercetin, are thought to support the immune system and potentially reduce inflammation linked to allergies. However, the effectiveness of these remedies is not consistently supported by scientific evidence, and they may not work for everyone. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any vitamins or supplements.
- Lifestyle changes could help you avoid allergens altogether. Think: keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, wearing a mask when outside during peak allergen times, and making dietary changes if certain foods seem to trigger allergy symptoms.
- Improve the air quality at home by cleaning with a vacuum that has a HEPA air filter, maintaining your home’s HVAC system, and using a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner in every room, which may help reduce the number of allergens in the air.
- Inhaling steam can remove irritants from the nasal passage and clear out allergens. You can try holding your head above a bowl of steaming water, then covering your head with a towel to trap the steam. However, this should be done carefully to avoid burns.
Future developments in allergy treatment
Researchers continuously strive to understand more about allergies to help find new, effective, and safer ways to manage their symptoms. One promising area of research is in the realm of immunotherapy, particularly with regard to sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).SLIT involves placing a tablet containing allergens under the tongue to boost tolerance to those allergens over time. The FDA has approved several SLIT tablets for treating allergies to certain grasses and ragweed, and research is ongoing to expand this to other allergens.
Scientists are also exploring biological therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, which target specific parts of the immune system. Xolair (omalizumab) is one such drug that's already FDA-approved to treat certain cases of allergies.
These are just a couple of examples of emerging allergy treatments. However, new treatments may still be undergoing various stages of research and development. Always consult a healthcare professional for the most appropriate treatment option.
Living with allergies
Living with allergies can be difficult, especially if symptoms affect your overall quality of life. For example, you may have consistent trouble getting a good night’s rest because your nose is stuffy or your eyes are itchy. Fortunately, there are various ways to get the help you need to manage your symptoms.The first step to taking back control of your allergy symptoms is to find out what’s causing the symptoms in the first place. You can then speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for medical advice on treating mild to moderate symptoms. If you experience signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, rash, swelling of the face, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
If you currently use a specific treatment and find that your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider. You may need to adjust your dosage or change your treatment to find something that works for you. Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error to find the relief you’re looking for.