Some allergy medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, for example, help alleviate allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, swelling, eye irritation or coughing, which are associated with allergic reactions to certain substances such as dust mites. , pollen or food, for example.
These remedies can be found in the form of tablets, ointments, drops, sprays, syrups or eye drops, and should only be used if recommended by a doctor, as allergies can be triggered by numerous factors that must be diagnosed and prevented. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of medications adapted to each case and must be used with medical advice according to the type of allergy being treated.
In severe cases of allergy, with symptoms such as swelling in the mouth, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, you should seek the nearest emergency room immediately, as it can put your life at risk. In these cases, medicines are normally administered directly into the vein or muscle, for example. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
7 allergy remedies
The main types of medicine that can be used for allergies are:
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most commonly used medications to treat allergic symptoms, such as nasal, skin or eye allergies, allergic rhinitis or hives.
These remedies prevent the action of histamine, a substance involved in the body’s allergic response, and can be used in the form of tablets and syrups, as is the case with loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine or fexofenadine, for example, which act at a systemic level. .
Furthermore, this class of medications is also available in eye drops to treat eye allergies, such as epinastine hydrochloride or ketotifen fumarate, for example, or in sprays or nasal drops that act directly in the nose and which may contain azelastine hydrochloride, for example, and which can be used alone or combined with an oral antihistamine.
There are also creams and ointments with antihistamines in their composition, which may contain promethazine, clemastine or dexchlorpheniramine in their composition, and which are generally indicated for skin allergies, used in association with other oral antihistamines. Check out the main types of antihistamines for allergies.
2. Decongestants
Decongestants are widely used as a complement to antihistamines for symptoms of nasal congestion and secretion, because they help to de-swell the inflamed tissues, relieving nasal congestion, redness and mucus.
The most commonly used decongestant medications are pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine or oxymetazoline, for example. See other ways to relieve nasal congestion.
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids work by reducing the inflammation associated with allergies, but are generally used in more severe cases. These medicines are also available in the form of tablets, syrups, oral drops, creams, ointments, eye drops, nasal solutions or inhalation devices and should only be used under medical advice because they have many side effects. See the main side effects of corticosteroids.
Some examples of systemic corticosteroids used in allergic conditions are prednisolone, betamethasone or deflazacort, for example.
Beclomethasone, mometasone, budesonide and fluticasone are generally used in the form of a nasal spray or through oral inhalation devices and dexamethasone is present in many eye drops, used for eye inflammation, irritation and redness.
The most commonly used ointments and creams generally have hydrocortisone or betamethasone in their composition and are indicated for skin allergies, and should be applied in a thin layer, for as short a period of time as possible, as per medical advice.
4. Bronchodilators
In some cases it may be necessary to resort to the use of bronchodilators, such as salbutamol, budesonide or ipratropium bromide, for example, which facilitate the entry of air into the lungs, being indicated for the treatment of respiratory allergies such as asthma.
These remedies are available in the form of sprays or drops for inhalation, but can only be purchased with a prescription. See the main bronchodilators and how to use them.
5. Cromonas
Chronones, such as disodium cromoglycate or sodium nedocromil, have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory action, which prevent the release of histamine, which causes allergic reactions.
Generally, the use ofchromones is preventive, as these medications take a few days to have the maximum expected effect, which is why they are used continuously.
Chronones can be found in the form of a nasal spray, such as Rilan, indicated for mild asthma, improving the asthmatic response to exercise and different types of allergic substances. Furthermore, they may also be indicated for the treatment or prevention of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Another way to usechromones is in the form of eye drops, such as Cromolerg, indicated for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Check out other eye drops recommended for allergic conjunctivitis.
6. Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants, such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus, are remedies with anti-allergic action as they act by reducing the action of the immune system, which helps to alleviate skin allergy symptoms, especially in the case of atopic dermatitis or eczema.
These remedies are generally recommended by the doctor when corticosteroid creams have not been effective in reducing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, or when the person is allergic to corticosteroids.
Immunosuppressants can be found in the form of ointments or creams for topical use, under the skin, such as Elidel or Tarfic. See other remedies that can be used to treat atopic dermatitis.
7. Antileucotrienos
Antileukotrienes, such as montelukast or zafirlukast, act by reducing the action of substances called leukotrienes, responsible for inflammation of the lungs or nasal mucosa, and are therefore indicated for the treatment of some respiratory allergies, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Antileukotrienes can be found in the form of coated or chewable tablets, or in the form of granules, with the trade names Montelair, Aria, Piedmont or Accolate, for example, and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless indicated by the doctor. .
Food allergy medicine
Food allergy medications aim to improve symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, irritation and swelling of the mouth, eyes or tongue.
The choice of medicine depends on whether the allergic reaction is mild, moderate or severe, as there is a risk of going into anaphylactic shock, which is a serious situation that can be life-threatening. Understand how food allergies are treated.
