How To Treat Allergies and Find True Relief

Did you know that when your body encounters allergens, it releases chemicals known as histamines to fight off the irritation? While essential for protection, these histamines can also cause discomfort for some individuals. For example, histamines are released to combat pollen but can lead to unwanted symptoms, like a runny nose.

To treat allergies, or minimize the effects of seasonal allergy symptoms, it's wise to get a head start. Beginning your allergy treatment before the start of the season can help you manage symptoms more effectively throughout the season.

Pre-Treatment: Before Symptoms Start

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid triggers altogether, but this is not always possible. Many physicians advise those with allergies to start taking medication, such as antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays, before pollen counts start rising or they visit a relative with pets that can trigger symptoms.

Pre-treating with an allergy medicine can effectively prevent the allergic reaction from beginning, thereby averting the onset of symptoms. This proactive step can make a significant difference in managing your allergies and enjoying your time across the seasons.

Treatment During Allergy Season

Managing your allergies well means recognizing your seasonal allergy symptoms and taking the correct medication before and throughout the season. But with so many allergy medications available, choosing the right one can be confusing.

Here are some over-the-counter (OTC) products that can help to address specific symptoms:

Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, or itchy nose or throat.

How to treat: Oral antihistamines block the histamines that usually cause most allergy symptoms.

• Rite Aid Allergy Relief Tablets
• Allegra 24 HR Allergy Relief Tablets
• Benadryl Ultratabs Antihistamine Allergy Medicine Tablets
• Claritin 24 Hr Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief Tablets
• Zyrtec 24-Hour Allergy Relief Tablets
• Xyzal 24 HR Allergy Tablets

Symptoms: Stuffy nose and sinus pressure.

How to treat: Decongestants narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the affected area to help clear up congestion and improve breathing. They are available in two forms:

• Oral decongestants:
  • Rite Aid Maximum Strength Sinus Pressure and Congestion Relief Tablets
• Nasal decongestants: (These should not be used for more than 3 days.)
  • Afrin Nasal Spray
  • Vicks Sinex Severe Nasal Spray

Symptoms: Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, or itchy nose or throat.

How to treat: Oral antihistamine and decongestant combination products block histamines, help clear congestion and improve breathing.

• Rite Aid Maximum Strength Sinus and Allergy Relief Tablets
• Claritin-D

Note: These products are available OTC at the pharmacy.

Symptoms: Runny and stuffy nose.

How to treat: Saline rinses physically remove and thin out secretions. Plus, they may rinse out allergens and irritants.

• Rite Aid Saline Nasal Spray
• Ayr Saline Nasal Mist

Symptoms: Itchy, watery and red eyes.

How to treat: Allergy eye drops are available in single and combination-ingredient formulations. Topical decongestants narrow blood vessels and decrease eye congestion, which relieves redness. Topical antihistamines block histamine and provide itch relief.

• Rite Aid Allergy Relief Drops
• Pataday Allergy Once Daily Relief Eye Drops
• Alcon Naphcon A Eye Drops
• Opcon-A Allergy Relief Eye Drops
• Visine Eye Allergy Relief Multi-Action Eye Drops

When a "D" appears after a medication's brand name, it contains a decongestant. Similarly, an "A" signifies that the product aims to treat allergies.

Finding Relief

Medications come in various forms — some have just one active ingredient, while others might contain multiple ingredients. Reading the label before picking one off the shelf is crucial to ensure you are not "doubling up" on an ingredient. Keep in mind that OTC medicines can sometimes also interact with other medications or medical conditions. Consult with your physician before adding medication to your current drug therapy.

Clinically reviewed on Sept. 3, 2024.