The most effective method in the treatment of allergies is to avoid the allergen substance, that is, the substance that causes the allergy. However, it is not always possible to avoid allergens such as pollen. Therefore, your allergist may prescribe some medications to provide relief. Before using medication for the treatment of pollen allergy, you should definitely consult an allergy specialist and take the medications recommended by your doctor.
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Which drugs are used in the treatment?
People with pollen allergies may show different symptoms. Therefore, there is no single drug formula that can be used. Some of the drugs used in the treatment are as follows:
Nasal Steroids
These drugs are generally available in nasal spray form. It is one of the first treatment options in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. It is effective in relieving congestion, runny and itchy nose, sneezing and other symptoms. It is best to start and continue using before the pollen season starts. It may take up to a week for your symptoms to improve. Steroids that you take by mouth (oral steroids) are used to treat nasal allergies only in rare cases.
Antihistamines
During an allergic reaction, your body produces histamine, and histamine is often responsible for the symptoms that bother you. These drugs work against the chemical histamine. Antihistamines are available in pills and nasal sprays. The pills target itching, sneezing and runny nose. Nasal sprays are effective on congestion, itchy or runny nose and post-nasal drip.
Decongestants
These drugs clear your stuffy nose. Some types, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, are available as pills or liquids. Using decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row may adversely affect you. Symptoms may reoccur, meaning rebound. Decongestants also have some negative side effects. Therefore, it is important to use this group of drugs under the supervision of a doctor.
Eye Drops
Eye drops are used to treat red, itchy and watery eyes. Eye drops may contain active substances from the group of antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers. Since eye drops are applied locally and only act where they are applied, side effects are unlikely.
Other Drugs and Combinations
Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that prevents certain cells in the body called mast cells from releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. It helps with runny nose, itching, sneezing and congestion.
Allergy Vaccines and Other Immunotherapies
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy injection, aims to reduce the sensitivity of the immune system to the allergen. When you get the allergy shot, your allergist gives you small, gradually increasing amounts of pollen that causes your symptoms. Over time, your body builds up a resistance against them. Allergy vaccination is a long-term treatment that probably lasts 3 to 5 years. However, in this very successful treatment, the need for drug use disappears and a visible regression occurs in your symptoms.
Asthma Treatment Caused by Pollen Allergy
If you have asthma caused by pollen, your allergist will prescribe the right medication and help you develop a plan for managing your asthma. Be sure to follow your asthma action plan. Asthma can be well controlled in almost all people with appropriate medication. The main types of drugs are:
Relaxers: They aim to relax the muscles around the airways. This is medicine used during an asthma attack.
Preventers: Gradually make the airways less sensitive to allergy triggers and reduce inflammation inside the airways. These are taken daily.
Combination therapies: These are inhibitors containing two different drugs.
Pollen Prevention Tips
One direct way to manage pollen allergies is to reduce your pollen exposure. You may not be able to completely avoid the symptoms of pollen allergies, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent and minimize allergies. Pollen counts can help you plan to avoid exposure. Tips for reducing your exposure to pollen include:
Follow local pollen forecasts
Most weather apps and local news report when pollen levels are high. When pollen numbers are high; keep windows closed and avoid spending time outside when pollen levels are at their highest. Pollen levels usually peak in the middle of the day.
Use filtering
Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system in your home to clean the air from allergies. Change the filters in your heating/air conditioning system frequently, especially during peak pollen season.
Avoid outdoor work
from outdoor work that exposes you to high pollen concentrations; especially avoid tasks such as gardening and lawn mowing. If you must do gardening, try to do these activities in the early morning, afternoon, or evening, when pollen levels may be lower. Wearing a mask during these activities can also help prevent pollen allergy symptoms.
change your clothes
Change and wash your clothes after outdoor activities. Change your sheets every few days to reduce indoor exposure to pollen brought in from outside.
Watch out for pet hair
Be aware that pets that go outside can get pollen on their fur. Brushing them regularly or cleaning them quickly after walks can help reduce the amount of pollen they carry into your home.
Stick to your treatment plan
Be sure to talk to your allergist about allergy medications and other treatments that can help prevent or relieve symptoms. While traditional antihistamines can cause drowsiness or other side effects, some newer drugs are more effective and have fewer side effects. For this reason, your allergist will determine the drug that is suitable for you to use.
