I’ve been wanting to make this post for awhile, and I’m going to do something I don’t normally do and sway from beauty products for just a bit. Beauty is my passion, but I am after all, a pharmacist and I get paid to direct people how to treat common ailments such as allergies. Allergies. Allergies. YUCK. I guess in a way this could be construed as beauty advice, I mean no one likes that swollen red-eyed look! or that look right before you sneeze…..
So how can you tell if you have allergies or a cold? It’s simple. Do the symptoms happen during season changes? Do the symptoms linger and never really get worse or better? Do the symptoms last for weeks-months? Do you have cold symptoms, but NO FEVER? Then you probably have allergies.
A cold rears it’s ugly head with some of the same symptoms as allergies: runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, watery eyes, itching eyes and nose, but typically lasts for days-1 week and could produce a fever which is your bodies way of trying to force that virus out. A cold is a virus and will RUN it’s course then RUN AWAY once your immune system wins the battle. But allergies! oh allergies can linger and torture you for months!
So what can you do??
You fight back of course, like a warrior princess, or queen or whatever it is you envision yourself as when you get fierce..and get even.
Let me introduce you to your army…
1. Antihistamines-The mainstay of therapy for allergies, they fight the common allergies symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, itching eyes and nose. They basically block histamines which cause the symptoms in the first place, like a shield! Your mainstay shield will take the form of a tablet called:
- Diphenhydramine aka Benadryl-the fastest and most effective antihistamine, the drawback? Diphenhydramine wants you to get your beauty rest after your battle, so you’re probably going to take a nice nap. Yep, drowsiness. So if it’s before bedtime, or you don’t mind a nice mid day nap, go for it. You’ll feel a lot better. If you have to work or operate heavy machinery aka cars or hot hair tools, you should skip this one for now.
- The non-drowsy Anithistamines-Loratidine aka Claritin, Ceterizine aka Zyrtec, and Fexofenadine aka Allegra. These are non-drowsy for most people. They take a bit longer to work, but once they start working are very effective. I recommend taking one of these once a day EVERY day during allergy season. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel. An adult should take 10mg daily of Loratidine and ceterizine and 180mg daily of fexofenadine. Just choose one of the 3 though, not all 3! I truly don’t have a preference of the 3, just choose 1 and stick with it. I included the generic name because going generic will save you money and make you feel just a good. The chemical compounds are identical, they have to be to be legally sold.
2. Eye drops-if you’re plagued with swollen red eyes, you’ll need an eye drop. Look for the name Ketotifen, which is basically an antihistamine for your eyes. This will reduce swelling and redness and help with itching. Use as an adjunct to your daily antihistamine for even more relief. Allergy eye drops come in many brand names, so just look for the name Ketotifen, or any eye drops that specifically mention allergies. Just getting an eye drop for eye redness won’t be enough! You need a specific one for allergies. I recommend using 1-2 drops per eye twice a day 12 hours apart. Wear contacts? No problem! Apply BEFORE putting in your contacts, wait 15 minutes, then you can put your contacts in. Then reapply AFTER removing them at night.
3. Decongestants-some people, like myself, have allergies that include nasal congestion and sinus pressure. There is no worse feeling than waking up to a raging headache due to sinus congestion. For this symptom, you need Pseudoephedrine aka Sudafed. Nothing else will work. You must purchase Pseudoephedrine at the pharmacy counter, and you must be 18 and have a valid state issued ID. You may also get asked what symptoms you are experiencing, so just be honest!! The variations of this product look overwhelming, but I would recommend an antihistamine/decongestant combo like Claritin D, Zyrtec D, or Allegra D for maximum allergy relief. Pseudoephedrine is non-drowsy, in fact it may actually keep you up.
So there you have it!! Your Army for the battle of allergies!
*Some words of caution: Drink PLENTY of water with antihistamines since they work by effectively drying you up, but sometimes they can make your mouth dry as well. Also don’t use a decongestant if you have health conditions such as high blood pressure since they can raise your blood pressure. If you can’t use a decongestant, I recommend nasal saline spray.
**I am a registered pharmacist, but I am not a physician, I recommend everyone have a primary care physician and get yearly checkups to stay healthy!
As always talk to your pharmacist and ask them questions, that is why we are here!!
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